Ukraine

In a statement to the House of Commons, the minister addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, reflecting on the tragic loss of Royal Naval pilot Lieutenant Rhodri Leyshon. The minister paid tribute to the lieutenant, expressing the House's condolences to his family and colleagues. The minister then outlined the government's unwavering support for Ukraine, noting that the UK has stood united with Ukraine since the start of the conflict 930 days ago. The minister highlighted the bipartisan approach, with the opposition party backing every package of military aid, sanctions, and civilian support schemes. Emphasizing the UK's leadership on the issue, the minister stated that the new government is determined to step up support for Ukraine. This includes a new £3.5 billion defence industrial support treaty, reaching the £1 billion milestone for the International Fund for Ukraine, and advancing the UK-led maritime and drone capability coalitions. The minister also announced a new £160 million production contract for air defence missiles and the extension of the UK's Operation Interflex, which has trained 45,000 Ukrainian troops since 2022. The minister discussed recent battlefield developments, including a Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region, which has put pressure on Russian forces. However, the minister acknowledged that eastern Ukraine remains Russia's main focus, with tactical advances bringing Pokrovsk within approximately 8 km of the frontline. The minister noted that Russia's casualties remain high, with daily casualties doubling from last year. The minister also addressed the impact of Russian air bombardments, which have destroyed or captured more than 50% of Ukraine's power generation capacity, forcing Ukraine to implement power outages as winter approaches. At sea, the minister highlighted Ukraine's successes in driving Russia's fleet out of the western Black Sea and destroying or damaging 26 Russian naval vessels. Looking ahead, the minister stated that Ukrainians need to strengthen their frontline in the east and hold the territory in Kursk, as the longer they hold Kursk, the weaker Putin becomes. The minister emphasized that the defence of the UK starts in Ukraine, as a Russian victory would undermine the sovereignty and security of all nations. The minister also warned of growing signs of Russian aggression beyond Ukraine, including violations of NATO airspace, a "reckless campaign of sabotage" across Europe, and offensive cyber operations directed at governments and civilian infrastructure. The minister stated that the new government's defence policy will be NATO-first, as the UK faces a decade of growing Russian aggression. In conclusion, the minister reiterated the UK's unwavering support for Ukraine, stating that this conflict is at a critical moment and that the UK is stepping up its support because the struggle is not just Ukraine's, but the UK's as well.