UK political leaders have reiterated their support for Ukraine as the second anniversary of Russia’s full invasion approaches. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged that the UK would do “whatever it takes, for as long as it takes” to help Ukraine succeed. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions, stating that his “cowardice and barbarity” would not win.
This comes after the UK announced additional sanctions against Russia. The second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine is on Saturday. Last month, Sunak visited Kyiv to sign a new security agreement and announce £2.5bn in military aid for Ukraine over the next year. He urged renewed determination on this “grim anniversary”.
Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron warned the United Nations against “fatigue” and “compromise”, urging the US Congress to back a new package of military support for Ukraine. However, a bill promising nearly $60bn (£50bn) in military aid may not pass due to opposition from some Republicans in the House of Representatives.
The UK has also announced new sanctions targeting those supporting Russia’s military, as well as six prison bosses following the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Starmer pledged the UK’s support for Kyiv regardless of who is in power in the UK.
Despite recent stalemates in the war in Ukraine, Russia has made some advances. Ukrainian forces recently withdrew from the eastern city of Avdiivka after a four-month battle against a strong Russian assault. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on western allies to provide more weapons to prevent empowering Russia’s forces.
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, on behalf of over 50 governments including the UK, demanded Russia to stop its war against Ukraine and withdraw all its forces and military equipment from Ukraine’s territory within its internationally recognized borders.
