On Sunday the Prime Minister travelled to Kyiv to demonstrate the UK’s steadfast solidarity with Ukraine and hold in-depth discussions with President Zelenskyy on military and economic assistance.
During the visit, which was at the invitation of Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelensky, the pair toured the city Kyiv - where the Prime Minister again expressed the British people’s staunch support best wishes for Ukraine; and in addition to this spoke to Ukrainian’s living in the City.
Standing along side Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelensky the Prime Minister said: “I think that the Ukrainians have shown the courage of a lion, and you Volodymyr have given the roar of that lion,” he said. “The UK and others [will] supply the equipment, the technology, the knowhow, the intelligence, so that Ukraine will never be invaded again. So Ukraine is so fortified and protected – so that Ukraine can never be bullied again. Never be blackmailed again. Never be threatened in the same way again.”
The Prime Minister was warmly welcomed by President Zelensky, who said: "The leadership of the united kingdom, in providing our country with all the necessary assistance in terms of defence, as well as leadership in sanctions policy, will go down in history forever."
The UK has been leading the international response to the war in Ukraine by imposing harsh sanctions on Putin’s regime and providing Ukraine with vital supplies throughout the crisis.
The Prime Minister set out new military assistance of 120 armoured vehicles and new anti-ship missile systems, to support Ukraine in this crucial phase while Russia’s illegal assault continues. This is in addition to the £100 million worth of high-grade military equipment announced yesterday, including more Starstreak anti-aircraft missiles, another 800 anti-tank missiles, and high-tech loitering munitions for precision strikes.
The Prime Minister also confirmed further economic support, guaranteeing an additional $500m [£385m] in World Bank lending to Ukraine, taking our total loan guarantee to up to $1 billion. This comes alongside the £394m the UK has provided in grant aid, and will help ensure the continued running of vital humanitarian services for Ukrainians .
The UK has responded to the request of the Ukrainian government by liberalising all tariffs on imports from Ukraine and providing customs easements, as part of our commitment to the country’s economic stability.
Justin has been working closely with Swindon Borough Council to help those fleeing Ukraine, and anybody with questions should look at the Council's Warm Welcome scheme for those arriving in Swindon from Ukraine: https://www.swindon.gov.uk/ukraine?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=members_bulletin_thursday_31_march_2022&utm_term=2022-03-31
The Warm Welcome Team will ensure that those coming from Ukraine will be supported with things such as school places, access to health services, and housing - those refugees who come in via the Government’s process of matching Ukrainians with host families.
In addition to this the community health & wellbeing team is arranging the storage and sorting of donated clothes and other practical items such as pushchairs.
