The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, particularly medical evacuation services provided by humanitarian charities.
Calvin Bailey, Labour MP for Leyton and Wanstead, raised the issue in a recent parliamentary question, seeking insight into discussions held by the MOD with various stakeholders.
Luke Pollard, Armed Forces Minister, highlighted the Secretary of State for Defence’s ongoing communication with his Ukrainian counterpart: “The Secretary of State for Defence has regular discussions with his Ukrainian counterpart on a number of issues.”
These discussions ensure coordination between the UK and Ukraine in addressing humanitarian and defence needs during the ongoing conflict.
Pollard also stressed the UK’s collaborative approach through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO): “Through the FCDO, the UK Government continues to maintain close contact with humanitarian partners to support Ukraine, including with medical evacuation services.”
This includes engagement with charities such as MOAS and other organisations that provide critical frontline medical evacuation services.
Pollard outlined the MOD’s process for evaluating support requests: “The Ministry of Defence has a well-established route through which requests for support from the Government of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence are received, and we carefully weigh how we commit UK taxpayer money, aligned with that demand signal.”
This ensures that UK aid is allocated effectively to meet Ukraine’s urgent humanitarian and defence needs.
The UK Government’s humanitarian aid to Ukraine has now reached £477 million. This funding supports a range of initiatives, including medical evacuation services and broader humanitarian relief efforts.
