Marking 1,000 days since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Defence Secretary John Healey reiterated the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine in a parliamentary debate on 18 November 2024.
Healey highlighted the Government’s record-breaking military aid and ongoing efforts to bolster Ukraine’s defences.
Healey outlined the UK’s contributions:
“With tomorrow marking 1,000 days since the start of President Putin’s brutal, illegal invasion of Ukraine, our commitment to stand with the Ukrainian people is absolute. We have stepped up with more military support, we have sped up deliveries, and we are now spending more on military aid as a country than ever before.”
Concerns for Civilians and Commitment to Long-Term Support
Lillian Jones, Labour MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun, raised concerns about the welfare of Ukrainian civilians and pressed for assurances of continued aid.
“Tomorrow will be 1,000 days since Putin invaded Ukraine. My constituents in Kilmarnock and Loudoun have concerns about the ongoing welfare of Ukrainian civilians, so can the Secretary of State please assure my constituents that the Government will continue to offer support and aid to those in need? Will he underline our absolute support for Ukraine forces to end Putin’s aggression?”
Healey responded by commending the courage of Ukrainians and reiterating the UK’s long-term commitment:
“My hon. Friend is absolutely right. What she really says is that the Ukrainians have been fighting with huge courage—military and civilians alike—and the best way we can help the Ukrainians to defend their own civilians is to step up our support for Ukraine. That is why we have increased military support and aid to its highest level ever. We have signed a new industrial treaty with Ukraine worth £3.5 billion to increase military hardware. We have hit the £1 billion milestone for the UK-led international fund for Ukraine. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
Matt Turmaine, Labour MP for Watford, asked about the evolving nature of the UK’s aid to Ukraine.
“I thank the Secretary of State for his previous answers. Will he outline some of the detail of the support that has been offered to Ukraine and how that support is evolving as the conflict continues?”
Healey detailed recent efforts to address Ukraine’s critical needs:
“At each stage, we have tried to respond to the requirements that the Ukrainians say that they have to match the state of their battle to defend their country. We have announced packages of artillery, of ammunition and of air defence, which is one of their most critical needs at present, including recently a new contract to supply short-range air defence missiles—the lightweight multi-role missiles. Those will be in Ukrainian hands at the turn of the year. We expect to step up that production and delivery during the course of next year.”
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