The United Kingdom has urged the international community to provide Ukraine with the necessary tools to win the ongoing conflict, at a special session of the United Nations Security Council on Friday, February 24th, one year after Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, stated that the UK’s support for Ukraine is not time-limited and that they will fulfill the promises made to the UN Charter and the Ukrainian people until Ukraine prevails.
The Russian invasion has had severe consequences on Ukraine’s civilian and agricultural infrastructure, with grain silos being a key target. This has significantly disrupted Ukraine’s food exports and exacerbated the increase in global food prices, hitting the poorest the hardest.
The UN General Assembly voted on February 23rd, with 141 countries in favor of a resolution that underscores the need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter’s principles. This vote highlights how Putin’s actions have worldwide repercussions beyond Ukraine, from food and fertilizer shortages to Russia’s escalatory language on nuclear escalation.
The UK has been a leading supporter of Ukraine in the last year, providing £2.3 billion in military support – more than any country other than the United States. The UK is also a leading bilateral humanitarian donor, having committed £220 million in assistance. Grants include £109 million to the United Nations, £33 million to the Red Cross, £50 million to non-governmental organizations and £8.4 million in other forms of aid. The UK has so far helped the response reach 13.4 million people.
The UK has also introduced the largest and most severe package of sanctions ever imposed on Russia or any major economy, with almost 1300 individuals and over 130 entities sanctioned since Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, will meet his Ukrainian counterpart, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, to discuss accelerating UK support to Ukraine, establishing a lasting peace, & the road to economic stability.
On the one-year anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, a national minute’s silence will take place in the UK at 11 am, marking the occasion and demonstrating the country’s solidarity with Ukraine.
The UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine has been demonstrated in various forms, including military, humanitarian, and economic aid, as well as imposing severe sanctions on Russia. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is not just a matter for Ukraine but has worldwide implications, and it is essential that the international community supports Ukraine until it prevails and a lasting peace is achieved.
Source: Gov[Dot]UK
