The UK Foreign Secretary used a doorstep statement at NATO headquarters this morning to signal continued political, military and financial support for Ukraine, and also accused Russia of escalating the conflict.
She told reporters this morning on the ground that NATO remains central to the UK’s security posture. “NATO is at the heart of UK security, and that is why I am here today as part of our partnership abroad that makes us stronger at home,” she said, adding that the UK and its allies were meeting to reaffirm collective backing for Kyiv and for negotiations aimed at what she repeatedly framed as a just and lasting peace.
She said the UK welcomed recent diplomatic efforts in Washington. “We have seen in recent days President Trump and the US pursue a just and lasting peace for Ukraine and for the Ukrainian people,” she said, adding that President Zelensky had signalled willingness to pursue a ceasefire framework.
Doorstep statement this morning by the United Kingdom @FCDOGovUK Foreign Secretary @YvetteCooperMP at the meeting of #NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Brussels. pic.twitter.com/2JLyMXpqov
— George Allison (@geoallison) December 3, 2025
She contrasted this with Russia’s recent behaviour. “Instead, what we have seen is President Putin simply seek to escalate war,” she told reporters, noting that heavy strikes over the weekend had cut power to hundreds of thousands of civilians.
The Foreign Secretary announced new UK funding in response. “That is why today I am announcing the UK’s additional 10 million pounds to support energy infrastructure repairs in Ukraine,” she said. “Whilst President Putin is seeking to switch the lights off and plunge Ukraine into darkness, we will continue to work to switch the lights back on.” She closed by reiterating that UK support is tied to European and NATO security guarantees.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also set out the alliance’s priorities before the foreign ministers’ meetings opened. Rutte said ministers would review the implementation of the decisions taken at the Hague Summit, particularly on spending and industrial output. “Ramping up to 5 percent on a credible path, defence industrial production, we have to do much more,” he said.
Ukraine will dominate both the formal session and the NATO Ukraine Council lunch with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and the EU’s High Representative Kaja Kallas. Rutte said allies must ensure Ukraine remains effective on the battlefield while also strengthening its position for any eventual talks. “The peace talks are ongoing. That is good, but at the same time we have to make sure that Ukraine is in the strongest possible position to keep the fight going,” he said.
Asked about fresh rhetoric from Moscow, Rutte declined to engage. “I am not going to react to everything Putin is saying,” he told reporters.
