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 highlighted that it has been 930 days since Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, during which the Ukrainian forces have fought heroically while their communities have endured relentless attacks. Despite the immense challenges, the minister stated that Ukraine has stood tall in the face of Russian aggression, and the UK has been united in its support for the country since the beginning. The minister expressed pride in the UK's leadership on the Ukraine issue and pledged to continue this support, offering regular intelligence assessments and briefings to opposition leaders and MPs from all parties. The minister emphasized that Ukraine is a top priority for the new government, and in the first week, they announced a new package of military support, including ammunition, missiles, and artillery guns, as well as a commitment to speed up the delivery of previously pledged aid. The minister highlighted the recent developments on the battlefield, including a remarkable Ukrainian offensive across the Russian border into the Kursk region, which exposed the vulnerabilities of Putin's frontline forces. However, the minister acknowledged that eastern Ukraine remains Russia's main focus, with tactical advances bringing Pokrovsk within approximately 8 kilometers of the frontline. Despite these challenges, the minister stated that Ukraine has scored significant successes, including driving Russia's fleet out of the western Black Sea and destroying or damaging 26 Russian naval vessels. The minister emphasized that the defense of the UK starts in Ukraine, as the success of President Putin in Ukraine would undermine the sovereignty and security of all nations. The minister pledged that the UK, alongside its allies, will provide military, economic, industrial, and diplomatic support to Ukraine, as this conflict is not just Ukraine's struggle, but the world's struggle to reinforce peace, democracy, and security in Europe. The minister also warned that the UK is seeing clear signs of growing Russian aggression beyond Ukraine, including violations of NATO airspace by Russian drones and a "reckless campaign of sabotage" across Europe by Russian intelligence. The minister stated that the new government's defense policy will be NATO-first, as the UK faces a decade of growing Russian aggression.