The UK is ramping up its support for Ukraine, committing £55 million to boost resilience and economic growth while reinforcing its long-term partnership with the war-torn nation.
During his visit to Kyiv, Foreign Secretary David Lammy will witness firsthand the impact of UK assistance as Ukraine enters its fourth year of resistance against Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Boosting Ukrainian grain supplies to Syria
Fulfilling commitments made by Prime Minister Keir Starmer to President Zelenskyy, the UK is providing £3 million for deliveries of Ukrainian grain and other food supplies to Syria. In collaboration with the World Food Programme, this initiative will aid Syria’s most vulnerable, in stark contrast to Russian grain shipments, which have been used to prop up the Assad regime, burdening Syria with costly debt.
Russia has been accused of illegally seizing an estimated 4.3 million tonnes of Ukrainian grain annually from occupied territories. To counter this, the UK recently introduced a Grain Verification Scheme, developed in response to Ukraine’s request to the G7, to track and prevent the trade of stolen Ukrainian grain.
Meanwhile, Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukrainian ports and Black Sea infrastructure continue to disrupt vital food supplies, driving up global food and fuel prices. Despite these aggressions, Ukraine’s navy has inflicted significant damage on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, neutralizing about one-quarter of its major combat vessels and denying Moscow control of the western Black Sea.
Strengthening Ukraine’s energy resilience
As part of his visit, Foreign Secretary Lammy will meet with President Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian leaders to reaffirm the UK’s unwavering support. He will also announce a £17 million investment in innovative energy projects aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s energy resilience. Through the InnovateUkraine competition, British, Ukrainian, and international partners will collaborate on sustainable energy solutions to help Ukraine recover and secure its energy future.
Despite relentless Russian strikes on energy infrastructure, Ukraine has demonstrated remarkable resilience. With the right support and international partnerships, the country continues to innovate and maintain essential power supplies. Expanding clean and reliable energy sources is not only crucial for Ukraine’s economic stability but also a key factor in countering Russia’s weaponization of energy.
Economic recovery and social support
Building on the 100-Year Partnership, the UK is also allocating £10 million to support Ukraine’s economic recovery by strengthening its private sector, particularly small and medium-sized businesses. This funding will assist in rebuilding and modernizing Ukraine’s economy for long-term stability.
Additionally, the UK is providing £25 million to improve Ukraine’s social services. This initiative will enhance inclusive and effective support systems, focusing on the needs of women, children, people with disabilities, and marginalized groups. The SPIRIT programme will further help Ukraine build a stronger and more resilient society in the face of Russian aggression.
Unwavering UK support for Ukraine
Reaffirming the UK’s deep commitment, Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated:
“Our support for Ukraine remains unbreakable. We are determined to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position, both in its fight against Russia and beyond, with our long-term relationship cemented by the 100 Year Partnership.
We believe in building for the future between our two countries, as well as supporting Ukraine in the present, as Russia’s barbaric and relentless attacks on vital infrastructure, communities, and businesses continue. That is why we are announcing more support for innovation in Ukraine, to rebuild a more resilient and sustainable society for years to come.
Delivering change at home, against the backdrop of an increasingly volatile world, means we must bolster the resilience of our partners”.
The UK has already committed £977 million in bilateral support to Ukraine since the invasion began, including £477 million in humanitarian aid. For 2024-25, the UK will provide an additional £282 million, alongside Prime Minister Starmer’s pledge to deliver £3 billion in military assistance annually for as long as necessary.
With today’s announcements, the UK is not only reinforcing Ukraine’s present defenses but also laying the foundation for a lasting, prosperous partnership between the two nations. Photo by Francisco Anzola, Wikimedia commons.