In a time of global uncertainty, the United Kingdom’s steadfast backing of Ukraine remains unwavering.
Recently, Russia carried out a significant drone assault on Ukraine, launching close to 1,000 drones over various regions within a 24-hour timeframe. In response, a visit to Ukraine was made to reiterate the UK’s resolute commitment and ensure that the crisis in the Middle East does not divert attention from the imperative to sustain pressure on Russia to halt its unlawful brutal conflict against Ukraine and its populace.
Central to every conflict are innocent lives, with children bearing the brunt of the suffering imposed by war. While in Ukraine, encounters with resilient young individuals facing Russia’s unjustified aggression showcased the benefits of UK aid, embodying the future that Ukraine strives to safeguard.
The two nations share strong connections, exemplified by the twinning of the city in South Wales where I was raised with Luhansk. A poignant visit to Lyceum 290 in Kyiv, part of the UK-Ukraine Schools Twinning Programme initiated in April 2025 and expanded this year, underscored how this initiative nurtures cultural links between Ukrainian and British students, cultivating essential future skills like curiosity, empathy, and collaboration.
Over 23,400 children from both countries have participated in the program to date, with an additional 300 schools set to join in the next three years.
Nevertheless, the harsh reality persists that many Ukrainian children are forcibly displaced from their homes in regions temporarily occupied by Russia. Instances of children being taken from orphanages and relocated to Russian facilities or foster homes, where they are given Russian citizenship in an effort to erase their Ukrainian identity, are concerning.
The UK has allocated £2.8 million to assist in the repatriation and reintegration of children unlawfully deported by Russia.
Since June 2025, the UK-supported Ukrainian verification center has documented over 20,000 cases of children being illegally deported or forcibly transferred by Russian authorities. This figure is projected to rise as investigations uncover additional evidence of this systematic violation of human rights. Such abhorrent practices must cease immediately.
During this week, discussions with investigative teams dedicated to verifying the identities of missing children, locating them, and compiling evidence to hold accountable those responsible were held. Their endeavors mark the crucial initial phase in repatriating Ukraine’s children, offering families hope and ensuring that these reprehensible crimes do not go unpunished.
Moreover, the UK’s unwavering financial assistance to Ukraine persists. Recently, it was announced that £240 million annually will be allocated to sustain development aid to Ukraine, supporting humanitarian, energy, and reconstruction projects. This vital investment bolsters Ukraine’s economy while addressing the country’s urgent humanitarian requirements, exacerbated by severe winter attacks on its energy infrastructure.
This support benefits both Ukraine and the UK, enhancing European security and contributing to the UK’s safety and economic resilience. It aids in fortifying domestic supply chains, fostering regional economies, and reinforcing high-value sectors such as defense.
While standing in solidarity with Ukraine, efforts continue to block Russia’s revenue streams to prevent any gains from the conflict in the Gulf, including the interception of shadow fleet vessels passing through UK waters. Russia must halt its unlawful war, and until it does, the UK will steadfastly support Ukraine in securing a fair and enduring peace, allowing all Ukrainian citizens, from the young to the elderly, to live free from Russian aggression.