(Commonwealth_Europe) During a visit to Kyiv, Foreign Secretary David Lammy reaffirmed the UK’s steadfast commitment to Ukraine— both in terms of immediate aid and a long-term partnership aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s resilience and growth. The UK’s support, amounting to a significant £55 million, is intended to help Ukraine remain in a strong position as it enters its fourth year of the Russia-Ukraine war. Lammy’s visit underscored the United Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to assist Ukraine in navigating the challenges posed by the war, as well as in the country’s long-term recovery and rebuilding processes.
The latest support package from the UK allocates £3 million to assist in delivering Ukrainian grain and other food products to Syria. The World Food Programme will use this contribution to support the most vulnerable communities in Syria. This support reflects a broader effort to counter Russia’s attempts to use stolen Ukrainian grain to further its influence. Russian-backed operations have led to the illegal extraction of approximately 4.3 million tons of grain from occupied Ukrainian territories every year, with the grain being sold on the international market after being relabeled. In response to this, the UK has also established a new Grain Verification Scheme, designed to trace stolen grain and prevent the sale of illicitly obtained Ukrainian produce.
Russia’s repeated attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, including key ports in the Black Sea, have compounded the global food security crisis by preventing vital food and aid shipments from reaching countries in the Global South. These disruptions have also contributed to rising food and fuel prices worldwide. However, one should not underestimate Ukraine’s resilience in defending its maritime borders. Despite Russian efforts, Ukraine’s navy has significantly weakened the Black Sea Fleet, destroying or damaging approximately 25% of Russia’s major combat vessels, which has denied Russia control over the western Black Sea.
While in Kyiv, Lammy met with Ukrainian leaders, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, and Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna. The discussions focused on how the UK and its international partners can continue to bolster Ukraine’s position both in the ongoing conflict and in its post-war recovery. During these meetings, Lammy announced an additional £17 million to support innovative energy projects through the Innovate Ukraine competition. This initiative aims to foster collaboration between British, Ukrainian, and international businesses and research institutions to develop energy solutions that are not only resilient but also sustainable and scalable for the future. The devastating attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure by Russia have posed severe challenges, but Ukraine’s ability to adapt and innovate in the face of these challenges highlights the importance of continued international support. Providing reliable, clean, and affordable energy is not just vital for Ukraine’s survival but also plays a crucial role in defending against Russia’s attempts to use energy as a weapon of war.
Further, the UK has committed £10 million to a new economic recovery program aimed at revitalizing Ukraine’s private sector, especially small and medium-sized businesses. This funding is part of the broader 100-Year Partnership initiative, which focuses on rebuilding and reforming Ukraine’s economy for the long term. The aim is to lay the groundwork for a more robust and diversified economy, one that will be better equipped to withstand future crises and thrive once peace is restored.
Additionally, £25 million in UK funding will support the strengthening of Ukraine’s social systems. This will include efforts to enhance the inclusivity, effectiveness, and efficiency of services for marginalized groups such as women, children, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations. The goal is to ensure that every family has access to support services that allow them to thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.
The UK’s SPIRIT program will play a pivotal role in helping Ukraine build a more resilient, prosperous, and barrier-free future. This program is designed to assist Ukraine in recovering from the immediate impacts of the war while ensuring that it is better positioned to meet the needs of all its citizens in the long term.
David Lammy emphasized that the UK’s support for Ukraine remains unshakable, underlining the UK’s determination to help Ukraine both in the present and in its future recovery. He reiterated the importance of international partnerships in building a strong, resilient Ukraine that is capable of overcoming the challenges it faces now and for years to come. The UK’s ongoing commitment to Ukraine is reflected in its broader efforts to create trade, investment, and collaboration opportunities that will benefit both nations well into the future.
This support is part of the UK’s broader strategy, which has already seen £977 million in aid to Ukraine, including £477 million in humanitarian assistance since the beginning of the full-scale war. The UK government has also pledged £282 million in additional aid for the fiscal year 2024-25, as well as £3 billion in military support.
Through these combined efforts, the UK is not only providing immediate relief but also laying the foundation for a lasting and productive partnership that will support Ukraine in rebuilding and securing a sustainable and prosperous future.
