Tag: Russian invasion

PM to announce biggest-ever military aid package to Ukraine

The Prime Minister will travel to Poland today [Tuesday 23 April] to announce a massive uplift in military support for Ukraine, including £500m in additional military funding and our largest-ever delivery of vital equipment. 

He will meet Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to discuss deepening UK-Poland relations, and the leaders will hold talks with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Warsaw on European security and support to Ukraine. The Prime Minister will then travel on to Germany to meet Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin.

 Ukraine is facing an existential threat as Russia continues its barbaric invasion, risking the security and stability of all of Europe. 

The £500 million additional funding announced today – which takes us to £3 billion in UK military aid for Ukraine this financial year – will be used to rapidly deliver urgently-needed ammunition, air defence, drones and engineering support. The drones will be procured in the UK and the funds will support a scale-up in domestic defence supply chains.

The Ministry of Defence will also send our largest-ever single package of equipment from the UK, designed to help push back the Russian invasion on land, sea and air. It includes: 

  • 60 boats including offshore raiding craft, rigid raiding craft and dive boats as well as maritime guns
  • More than 1,600 strike and air defence missiles, as well as additional Storm Shadow long-range precision-guided missiles. 
  • More than 400 vehicles, including 160 protected mobility ‘Husky’ vehicles, 162 armoured vehicles and 78 all-terrain vehicles.
  • Nearly 4 million rounds of small arms ammunition.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:  “Defending Ukraine against Russia’s brutal ambitions is vital for our security and for all of Europe. If Putin is allowed to succeed in this war of aggression, he will not stop at the Polish border. 

“I am in Warsaw today to deepen ties with our Polish partners and commit critical new military support for Ukraine’s defence.  Ukraine’s armed forces continue to fight bravely, but they need our support – and they need it now. Today’s package will help ensure Ukraine has what they need to take the fight to Russia.

“The United Kingdom will always play its part at the forefront of European security, defending our national interest and standing by our Nato allies.”

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: “This record package of military aid will give President Zelenskyy and his brave nation more of the kit they need to kick Putin out and restore peace and stability in Europe. 

“The UK was the first to provide NLAW missiles, the first to give modern tanks and the first to send long-range missiles. 

“Now, we are going even further. We will never let the world forget the existential battle Ukraine is fighting, and with our enduring support, they will win.”

In his first in-person meeting with new Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, the Prime Minister will also seek to deepen UK-Poland ties across a range of issues. 

Building on existing strong defence and security cooperation, he will offer to deploy an RAF Typhoon Squadron to carry out Nato Air Policing over Poland next year. 

To further boost trade and support UK companies looking to invest in Poland, the Prime Minister will also announce today an intention to triple UK Export Finance funding available for Poland from £5 million to £15 million – our most generous offer to a partner country to date. 

Bilateral trade between the UK and Poland has doubled in the last decade to reach £30.6bn, with 45 million bottles of Scotch whisky bought in Poland last year and UK firms bidding for £5bn worth of Polish opportunities across energy, defence, healthcare, and infrastructure.

UK takes lead of NATO Rapid Response Force

UK forces are taking lead of NATO’s rapid response force on 1 January 2024, placing thousands of soldiers on standby and ready to deploy within days. 

NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) was created after Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 and deployed for the first time for the collective defence of the Alliance after Russia’s full-fledged invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Taking leadership of the VJTF will see the UK provide the majority of forces in the task force. The United Kingdom’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps will serve as the land component command.

The leadership position is rotated annually among NATO members, and the UK now takes over from Germany, which led the force in 2023. The UK previously led the task force in 2017.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: “The UK is at the heart of NATO. By heading up NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force in 2024, we are taking another leading position in the Alliance, sending a clear message that Britain is stepping up to our global defence commitments as NATO enters its 75th year. 

“The UK’s Armed Forces stand ready, at a moment’s notice, to defend our Allies and protect the British national interest.

“The world is a more dangerous and contested place than it has been for decades and we need NATO more than ever. The UK and its allies are committed to supporting NATO and what it stands for.”

The VJTF is the highest-readiness element of NATO’s larger Response Force (NRF), which also includes air, maritime and special operations forces. In 2024, VJTF land forces will comprise some 6,000 troops, with the UK’s 7th Light Mechanised Brigade Combat Team – the ‘Desert Rats’ – at its core.

This is the same force that led the response during the activation of NATO’s Strategic Reserve Force in Kosovo last year. The brigade consists of a light cavalry regiment, and four light-mechanised infantry battalions with enabling artillery, engineering, logistics, and medical regiments. Major units include the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, the 4th battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, and the 2nd battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment.

The MOD’s 2023 Integrated Review Refresh was clear that NATO will remain the cornerstone of UK defence and security. The UK remains committed to offering the full spectrum of defence capabilities to the Alliance, and the past year has underlined the continued importance of the Alliance’s role in deterrence and defence.

Our existing commitments to NATO include UK leadership of the enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) mission in Estonia, with a brigade of troops held at high readiness in the UK to reinforce Estonia and the wider Baltic at a time of crisis.

Around 1,000 UK troops are persistently deployed to Estonia as part of the eFP mission – known as Operation Cabrit. This year, over 1,500 UK troops participated in Exercise Spring Storm in Estonia, the first time the UK conducted a brigade-sized deployment as part of Op Cabrit.

The UK also provides a Reconnaissance Squadron to a US-led NATO battlegroup in Poland, as well as a Ground-Based Air Defence system (Sky Sabre) to help protect Polish airspace.

In 2024, nine NATO Allies – UK, Spain, Poland, Hungary, Turkey, Latvia, North Macedonia, Romania and Albania – will contribute to the NATO Response Force. The Alliance will transition the NATO Response Force into the new Allied Reaction Force in mid-2024.

British warships to bolster Ukrainian navy

The UK is to lead a new Maritime Capability Coalition alongside Norway, with Defence Secretary Grant Shapps confirming the transfer of two Royal Navy minehunter ships to the Ukrainian Navy.

  • The UK will lead a new Maritime Capability Coalition alongside Norway, delivering ships and vehicles to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to operate at sea.
  • Defence Secretary Grant Shapps will today confirm Ukraine’s procurement of two Royal Navy minehunter ships for the Ukrainian Navy.
  • New coalition will deliver long-term support to Ukraine, including training, equipment, and infrastructure to bolster security in the Black Sea.

Two Royal Navy minehunter ships are being transferred from the Royal Navy to the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) in a move to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to operate at sea.

As the UK and Norway launch a new Maritime Capability Coalition, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps will announce the procurement of two Sandown Class mine countermeasures vessels (MCMVs) by Ukraine through UK Export Finance today in London.

He will be joined by his Norwegian counterpart to jointly launch the Maritime Capability Coalition. Alongside this new initiative, the Defence Secretary will confirm further details of UK military support to Ukraine.

Ukraine’s economy continues to be impacted by Putin’s blockade in the Black Sea, which has significantly reduced the country’s ability to move vital exports by sea. Strengthening the AFU’s maritime capabilities, in particular countering the threat from Russian sea mines, will help restore Ukraine’s maritime exports.

This builds on the UK Foreign Secretary’s visit to Ukraine last month where he welcomed the launch of the new ‘Unity Facility’ between UK company Marsh McLennan and the Ukrainian Government, which will provide affordable shipping insurance for grain and other critical food supplies globally from Ukraine’s Black Sea ports, actively support international efforts to alleviate the global food crisis.

The new Maritime Capability Coalition will build the support that the UK, Norway, and others are providing to Ukraine. This will be long term to help Ukraine transform its navy, making it more compatible with western allies, more interoperable with NATO, and bolstering security in the Black Sea.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: “These minehunters will deliver vital capability to Ukraine which will help save lives at sea and open up vital export routes, which have been severely limited since Putin launched his illegal full-scale invasion.

“This capability boost marks the beginning of a new dedicated effort by the UK, Norway and our allies to strengthen Ukraine’s maritime capabilities over the long term, enhancing their ability to operate in defending their sovereign waters and bolstering security in the Black Sea.

“As an island nation with a proud maritime history, the UK and Royal Navy are particularly well-placed to support this endeavour, which will form part of a series of new coalitions formed between allies to ensure an enduring military commitment in support of Ukraine.”

The new maritime coalition will work closely with the Ukrainian Navy and Ministry of Defence to develop a number of capabilities, including the rapid development of a maritime force in the Black Sea, continuing to develop a Ukrainian Marine Corps, and river patrol craft to defend coastal and inland waterways.

Agreed during recent meetings of the 50-nation strong Ukraine Defence Contact Group, it forms part of a series of Capability Coalitions to strengthen Ukraine’s operations in other domains including on land and in the air. 

The UK and Norway, together with other international partners, have already helped train hundreds of Ukrainian marines and aim to build on this work.

The Prime Minister and Defence Secretary have emphasised the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine, with £4.6bn in military support allocated since Putin launched his full-scale invasion, and more than 52,000 Ukrainian troops trained since Russia first invaded Crimea in 2014.

One year on from the brutal Russian invasion of Ukraine: support from Beirut

A statement by The Ambassadors of the United Kingdom, Australia, Denmark, and Japan

Today marks a year since the brutal, unjustified and unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine. In that year, thousands of innocent Ukrainian people have been killed, and millions forced from their homes.

We, the Embassies of Australia, Denmark, Japan and the United Kingdom will tonight light up our shared Embassies’ Complex here in Beirut in the colours of the Ukrainian flag.

We do so because our countries share not only a common building, but common values: respect for the principles of the UN charter, for territorial integrity and for human rights.

As such we stand, in unwavering solidarity with Ukraine.

The Ukrainians are defending their right, our right, and the right of everyone to live in freedom. We commend and support their bravery in the face of such aggression. Russia cannot and will not succeed.

Russia has consistently underestimated Ukraine. Russia planned to seize Ukraine in three days. 365 days later, Ukraine continues to liberate territory and push back Russian forces. This gives hope for Ukraine’s long-term ability to withstand Russia’s aggression.

It is imperative for a lasting peace that Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and the UN Charter must be respected.

Russia’s invasion has led to global suffering, with impacts felt here in Lebanon and across the world. Food insecurity has hit the poor the hardest. The Lebanese people should not have to bear further hardship because of Russian expansionist ambitions.

One year ago, Lebanon was the first country in the Middle East to speak unequivocally against Russia’s actions and in support of the UN Charter. In doing so Lebanon stood amongst friends, and with the majority of the international community.

We raise the Ukrainian flag today in support of the Ukrainian people and their brave fight against Russian aggression. We, good neighbours in Beirut from four countries and three continents, stand together in support of Ukraine and the values it is defending so bravely and which we, like Lebanon, share.

*The Ambassadors of the United Kingdom, Australia, Denmark, and Japan.

UN General Assembly calls for immediate end to war in Ukraine

The UN General Assembly yesterday called for ending the war in Ukraine and demanded Russia’s immediate withdrawal from the country, in line with the UN Charter.

At its resumed eleventh emergency special session, the world body adopted a new resolution calling for an end to the war, only hours before the conflict enters its second year on Friday.

The results were 141 Member States in favour and seven against – Belarus, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Eritrea, Mali, Nicaragua, Russia and Syria. Among the 32 abstentions were China, India and Pakistan.

By the terms of the 11-paragraph resolution, the Assembly reiterated its demand that Russia “immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine and called for a cessation of hostilities”.

The Assembly, through the resolution, urged Member States to cooperate in the spirit of solidarity to address the global impacts of the war on food security, energy, finance, the environment and nuclear security and safety. Underscoring that arrangements for a lasting peace should consider these factors, the Assembly also called upon all nations to support the Secretary-General in his efforts to address these impacts.

The  resumed session had met on Wednesday to begin debating the resolution, with the General Assembly President, Csaba Kőrösi, saying that for a full year, the 193-member Assembly, the Secretary-General, and the international community “have been consistent and vocal in our calls to end this war, and to adhere to the UN Charter and international law”.

The resolution reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, extending to its territorial waters.

The Assembly also emphasized the need to ensure accountability for the most serious crimes under international law committed in Ukraine through independent national or international investigations and prosecutions to ensure justice for all victims and the prevention of future crimes.

A woman stands in her damaged home after a missile struck her apartment complex in Zaporizka, Ukraine.

© UNOCHA/Matteo Minasi

Rejected proposals

The world body on Thursday rejected two amendments proposed by Belarus. The first proposal would have altered several of the resolution’s provisions, and the second would have had the Assembly call on Member States to, among other things, refrain from sending weapons to the zone of conflict.

‘New chapter of history’

At the outset of the resumed session on Wednesday, the Assembly President said that in this “new chapter of history”, the world is facing “stark choices about who we are as an international community. These choices will either set us on a path of solidarity and collective resolve to uphold the tenets of the UN Charter,” he said, “or a path of aggression, war, normalized violations of international law and collapsed global action.”

Days after the 24 February 2022 invasion, UN Security Council members had voted to allow the General Assembly to convene the eleventh emergency special session after Russia had vetoed a resolution that would have condemned the invasion of Ukraine.

In line with resolution 377A(V), adopted in 1950, the Assembly is able to take up international peace and security matters when the Council fails to do.

For more information on the emergency special sessions, visit UN Meetings Coverage.

Foreign Secretary urges international support to Ukraine for as long as it takes

UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly addresses the UN Security Council in New York, calling on international partners to support Ukraine, ahead of one year on since Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

  • The Foreign Secretary will address the UN Security Council today urging allies to support Ukraine for as long as it takes, one year on from Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion.
  • He will also meet with key allies including Ukraine’s Foreign Minister. Dmytro Kuleba and the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
  • The UK and 140 other countries voted on a UN resolution underscoring the need for Ukraine to secure a sustainable, just peace.

The UK will urge the international community to give the Ukrainian people the tools they need to win at a special session of the UN Security Council today [Friday 24th February], one year on from Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly is expected to say: “One year into this terrible war, let us send this clear message: Our support for Ukraine is not, and will never be, time-limited. We will keep the promises we made to the UN Charter and the Ukrainian people. And will give the Ukrainians all the help they need. For as long as it takes. Until Ukraine prevails.“

Russia’s continued targeting of Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure, and key agricultural infrastructure, including grain silos, has significantly disrupted Ukraine’s food exports. This has directly exacerbated the increase in global food prices, hitting the poorest the hardest.

Today’s UNSC meeting follows a vote in the United Nations General Assembly yesterday, in which 141 countries voted in favour of a resolution underscoring “the need to reach, as soon as possible, a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in line with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.”

The vote highlights how from food and fertiliser shortages to Russia’s escalatory language on nuclear escalation, Putin’s actions have worldwide repercussions beyond Ukraine.

Following the vote, the Foreign Secretary said: “When Putin invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, he expected his brutal assault to succeed and international support to crumble within weeks. He has been proven gravely wrong.

“12 months on, yesterday’s vote is testament to the infinite resolve of the international community that Ukraine will win the war, end Russia’s threat to Ukraine’s sovereignty, and forge a sustainable peace.

“Ukraine is turning the tide and Putin is losing. One year into this terrible war, our support will continue for as long as it takes.”

As Ukraine enters its second year living under a full-scale Russian bombardment, the UK will continue to work with its international allies to secure a just and lasting peace which respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and defends the UN Charter.

While in New York, the Foreign Secretary will meet his Ukrainian counterpart, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, and United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, to discuss accelerating UK support to Ukraine, establishing a lasting peace and the road to economic stability.

Later today, a national minute’s silence will take place at 11am today to mark the one-year anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, offering the UK public a moment to reflect on the courage of the Ukrainian people and demonstrating the UK’s unwavering solidarity with the country.

Ukraine One Year On: UK announces new package of sanctions

The Foreign Secretary announced a new package of sanctions, including export bans on every item Russia has been found using on the battlefield to date

  • New sanctions ban export of every item Ukraine has found Russia using on the battlefield to date.
  • UK sanctions on Russia top 1,500 as FCDO targets 92 individuals and entities, including those connected to Rosatom.
  • Putin’s closet allies also sanctioned, including his former Chief of Security and the CEO of Nord Stream 2.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has today (24 February) announced a new package of internationally co-ordinated sanctions and trade measures, including export bans on every item Russia has been found using on the battlefield to date.

Included in the hundreds of goods are aircraft parts, radio equipment, and electronic components that can be used by the Russian military industrial complex, including in the production of UAVs.

Military intelligence has shown that a shortage of components in Russia as a result of sanctions is already likely affecting their ability to produce equipment for export, such as armoured vehicles, attack helicopters and air defence systems.

As a result, it is highly likely that Russia’s role as a reliable arms exporter and their military-industrial complex are being undermined by international sanctions. Today’s measures will damage them further, undermining Putin’s military machine which is already having to mobilise soviet-era tanks and harvest freezers for low-grade chips.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: “Ukrainians are turning the tide on Russia, but they cannot do it alone. That is why we must do more to help Ukraine win.

“Today we are sanctioning the elites who run Putin’s key industries and committing to prohibit the export to Russia of every item Russia has been found using on the battlefield.”

Also sanctioned today are senior executives at Russian state-owned nuclear power company Rosatom, plus executives from Russia’s two largest defence companies, four banks, and other Russian elites.

Rosatom has deep connections to the Russian military-industrial complex – including through Alexander Novak who is both a member of the supervisory board and the Deputy Prime Minister in Putin’s administration.

The state-owned firm has reportedly been supplying arms manufacturers with the technology and materials needed to resupply Russia’s front line, including to defence firms that are under sanctions.

Four banks, including MTS, are also being sanctioned as part of today’s package. This will further isolate Russia from the international financial system and help the UK and partners to prevent circumvention.

Today’s designations also target the individuals and entities at the heart of Putin’s military-industrial complex, including:

  • 34 executives connected to Russia’s two largest defence companies Rostec, Russia’s multibillion state owned defence conglomerate, and Almaz-Antey Corporation, a state owned Russian company specialising in producing surface to air missiles and firearms for aircrafts.
  • 6 Russian entities involved in the manufacture or repair of military equipment for Russia’s armed forces, including aviation and navy
  • 5 senior Iranian executives in Qods Aviation Industry, the company manufacturing the drones used in Ukraine, which demonstrates our commitment to continue to pressure third countries supplying Russia’s military.

The UK is also announcing new major trade measures, undermining Russia’s military machine and cutting at Putin’s finances. Alongside banning exports of products found used by Russia on the battlefield, the UK will also ban the import of 140 goods including iron and steel products processed in third countries.

Business and Trade Secretary, Kemi Badenoch said: “Trade sanctions are working. UK goods imports from Russia have fallen by 99%, since before the invasion, and goods exports to Russia have fallen by nearly 80%.

“Working together with our G7 international partners, the Department for Business and Trade is delivering sanctions to further erode Putin’s capabilities to wage war against Ukraine. We will back Ukraine for as long as it takes.”

The UK has also announced that it will be extending existing measures against Crimea, and non-government controlled territory in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, to target Russian controlled areas of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, restricting their access to UK trade and finance.

Today’s measures also increase pressure on the Russian elite. This includes sanctions on:

  • Mattias Warnig – a close friend of Putin’s, the CEO of Nord Stream 2, and previously a member of the boards of Russian energy companies Transneft and Rosneft
  • Lyubov Kabaeva – mother of former Russian gymnast and Duma Deputy Alina Kabaeva who allegedly has a close personal relationship with Putin. The Kabaeva family reportedly own millions of pounds’ worth of property in Russia
  • Alexei Dyumin – formerly Putin’s chief security guard who played a key role in the annexation of Crimea. Dyumin has been actively involved in supporting the Russian military in Ukraine, including launching and facilitating a drone training school for Russian troops
  • Alexei Kozak, son of the former Deputy PM and Putin ally Dmitry Kozak
  • 20 executives of Gazprom and Aeroflot, including Gazprom Chairman and former Russian Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov and two current Russian Ministers.

Today’s new measures come as the Foreign Secretary travels to the UN, where he will urge the international community to support Ukraine as long as it takes, one year on from the start of Russia’s illegal full scale invasion.

G7 increases funding for Ukraine to £39 billion in 2023

UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and other G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors have committed to continued financial support for the Ukrainian government in 2023 to a total of US$39 billion at their latest meeting in Bengaluru, India.
The G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors met and were joined by Ukrainian Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko, where they condemned Russia’s war of aggression.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said: “We heard first-hand from Ukrainian Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko how additional funding is helping protect the lives of ordinary Ukrainians. This really hammers home the importance of the UK and our allies continuing to back Ukraine in its fight against Putin’s illegal invasion.

“This additional support will save lives in Ukraine, help the government carry out critical repairs of damaged infrastructure, deliver basic services like healthcare and stabilise the economy.”

National moment of silence to mark one year of Russian invasion of Ukraine

Government announces a national one-minute silence on Friday 24 February, marking a year since Russia’s barbaric full-scale invasion of Ukraine

  • National moment will pay tribute to the bravery of Ukrainians and highlight the UK’s solidarity with the country, as they continue their courageous fight
  • Comes after the historic visit of President Zelenskyy to the UK last week

A national minute’s silence will take place at 11am on Friday 24 February to mark the one-year anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to lead the nation in silence from Downing Street.

This national moment of reflection will offer the UK public the chance to pay tribute to the courage of the Ukrainian people and demonstrate the UK’s unwavering solidarity with the country.

The government is encouraging individuals and organisations across the UK to participate.

Since the war began, thousands of Ukrainians have been killed defending their freedom from Russia’s appalling onslaught. Millions more have been forced from their homes, with 114,400 Ukrainians finding refuge in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “As we approach the anniversary of Russia’s barbaric and deplorable invasion of Ukraine, as a nation we pay tribute to the incredible bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people.

“Russia’s unjustifiable attack brought war and destruction to our continent once again, and it has forced millions from their homes and devastated families across Ukraine and Russia.

“I am incredibly proud of the UK’s response, and throughout this past year, the UK public have shown their true generosity of spirit and their enduring belief in freedom.”

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said: “One year on from Putin’s illegal invasion, we stand in solidarity with our friends in Ukraine and remember all those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of freedom.

“This moment of silence is a time to reflect on the human cost of this conflict and show we stand with Ukraine.”

The national minute’s silence comes following the historic visit of President Zelenksyy to the UK last week. During the visit, the Prime Minister underlined the UK’s steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine for the long term, ensuring it can secure a lasting peace.

Ukraine Forever: Edinburgh events programme launched

A series of events across Edinburgh to mark the one-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has been launched.

‘Ukraine Forever’ events programme launched at Edinburgh Castle by the Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, alongside representatives from the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) and other key partners.

As we approach the one-year anniversary of the war against Ukraine on 24 February, ‘Ukraine Forever’ offers a range of events to aid those wishing to mark the event.

From a fundraiser for Hospitallers paramedic charity at the Scottish Storytelling Centre (February 23), to a wreath laying by officials at Edinburgh Castle and the City War Memorial on the Royal Mile (February 24), and a night of music with Scottish and Ukrainian artists at the Usher Hall (February 26), there are many ways for residents and visitors to commemorate those who have fallen in the defence of Ukraine.

The full programme of events is listed on the Council website.

The Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge said: “I am privileged to launch the ‘Ukraine Forever’ events programme on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council and our capital city. On this most sombre of anniversaries, we are reminded of the terrible consequences of Russia’s illegal invasion during the past year.

“Thank you to our partners, colleagues, and the Ukrainian community for their excellent work to deliver a programme that is designed to help residents and Ukrainians living in Edinburgh to reflect on the anniversary, raise vital funds for Ukrainian frontline charities, and celebrate the incredible actions of the Ukrainian community here in the capital.

“The ‘Ukraine Forever’ programme will hopefully show the people that are here from Ukraine see the solidarity of feeling that there is here in Edinburgh.”

Minister with Special Responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine Neil Gray said: “As we approach the anniversary of Russia’s illegal re-invasion of Ukraine, it is important for us to take a moment to pause and reflect, and to remember all those who have lost their lives in the conflict.

“It is also a time where we can recognise and acknowledge the extraordinary efforts played by organisations, communities, and people across Scotland in offering displaced people from Ukraine a warm Scottish welcome. 

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank City of Edinburgh Council and all of our key partners for the crucial role they have played over the last year in helping those who have fled Ukraine. Edinburgh’s ‘Ukraine Forever’ programme will help us all to show our continued support and solidarity with Ukrainians all over the world.

“To all the Ukrainians in Scotland, my message remains clear, we stand with you and want you to know that Scotland is your home for as long as you need it to be.

Hannah Beaton-Hawryluk, Branch Chair of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) Edinburgh, said: “As we approach the first anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion against Ukraine, we hope this programme of events will provide an opportunity for both residents of Edinburgh and Ukrainians living in the city to come together to commemorate the human sacrifice in the defence of Ukraine.

“We’d like to thank all partners, both from the city and within the Ukrainian community, for the compassionate and collaborative approach to coordinate this events programme. 

“The first anniversary is a really important, but sombre, milestone to ensure that the profile of Ukraine’s fight is kept at the forefront of societies discourse in the coming year ahead.  We need all of your help to continue supporting Ukraine.”

‘Ukraine Forever’ is a collaborative partnership of events between the City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council (EVOC), the Scottish Government, Associations of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB), Help Ukraine Scotland, and Consulate of Ukraine in Edinburgh.

President Zelenskyy visits UK today

  • President Zelenskyy arrives in the UK today to meet the Prime Minister and visit Ukrainian troops.
  • Comes as the Prime Minister announces plans to expand training for the Armed Forces of Ukraine to sea and air, including fighter jet pilots and marines, as part of long-term investment in their military.
  • UK also accelerates military equipment to Ukraine in a bid to give Ukrainian forces the upper hand on the battlefield and limit Russia’s ability to target civilian infrastructure.

President Zelenskyy will visit the UK today to meet Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and address parliament as the UK steps up its delivery of lethal aid into the country, and prepares to train fighter jet pilots and marines.                                                                                 

The leaders will discuss a two-pronged approach to UK support for Ukraine, starting with an immediate surge of military equipment to the country to help counter Russia’s spring offensive, and reinforced by long-term support.

The Prime Minister will also offer the UK’s backing to President Zelenskyy’s plans to work towards a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

As part of today’s talks, the Prime Minister will offer to bolster the UK’s training offer for Ukrainian troops, including expanding it to fighter jet pilots to ensure Ukraine can defend its skies well into the future.

The training will ensure pilots are able to fly sophisticated NATO-standard fighter jets in the future. As part of that long-term capability investment, the UK will work with Ukraine and international allies to coordinate collective support to meet Ukraine’s defensive needs.

He will also offer to begin an immediate training programme for marines.

That training will be in addition to the recruit training programme already running in the UK, which has seen 10,000 Ukrainian troops brought to battle readiness in the last six months, and which will upskill a further 20,000 Ukrainian soldiers this year. The UK will continue to work with the Ukrainian Armed Forces and international community to scale the programme up in 2023.

Just last week, Ukrainian troops arrived in the UK to learn how to command Challenger 2 tanks, following the Prime Minister’s decision to send the main battle tanks to Ukraine.

The Prime Minister will also offer to provide Ukraine with longer range capabilities. This will disrupt Russia’s ability to continually target Ukraine’s civilian and critical national infrastructure and help relieve pressure on Ukraine’s frontlines.

The President and his team will also meet defence and security chiefs, including the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of the Air Staff, to discuss the details of the training programme.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “President Zelenskyy’s visit to the UK is a testament to his country’s courage, determination and fight, and a testament to the unbreakable friendship between our two countries.

“Since 2014, the UK has provided vital training to Ukrainian forces, allowing them to defend their country, protect their sovereignty and fight for their territory.

“I am proud that today we will expand that training from soldiers to marines and fighter jet pilots, ensuring Ukraine has a military able to defend its interests well into the future. It also underlines our commitment to not just provide military equipment for the short term, but a long-term pledge to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine for years to come.”

The UK will also announce further sanctions today in response to Russia’s continued bombardment of Ukraine, including the targeting of those who have helped Putin build his personal wealth, and companies who are profiting from the Kremlin’s war machine.

Research reveals extent of trauma caused by Russian invasion of Ukraine

It is the first study to assess CPTSD prevalence in an active warzone

Addressing the post-traumatic stress caused by the Russian war on Ukraine should play a significant part in the humanitarian response to the conflict, according to new research.

The study, co-led by Edinburgh Napier University’s Professor Thanos Karatzias, is the first to ever assess the prevalence of complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) in an active warzone – and comes as the first anniversary of the invasion approaches.

It found 40.5% of the 2,000 participants, made up of adults living in Ukraine between July and September 2022, met the global standard threshold for either PTSD or CPTSD. This compares to a prevalence of 26.5% detected in recent analysis of adult survivors of war and around 10% or less in places unaffected by conflict.

The rates were higher in the east of the country, already occupied by Russia in recent years, although people in every region had been severely affected. Respondents also reported very high rates of war-related stressors, such as having an experience of threat to their personal safety, financial security, or local environment.

It is hoped the research could help inform measures to support Ukrainians impacted by the war.

Professor Karatzias, from ENU’s School of Health and Social Care, said: “Almost a year on from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we are beginning to understand the extent of the psychological toll it will be taking on civilians.

“We found people have often been exposed to several potentially traumatic events in that time, whether it is hearing an air-raid siren, facing the destruction of local infrastructure or losing a loved one.

“If and when this war ends, we will need to think about ways we can help people move on with their lives. The humanitarian response, which is already hugely complex, will require some innovative thinking to address these psychological harms.”

Among the other findings were a higher prevalence of CPTSD (compared to PTSD) among female respondents, suggesting the conditions of war in Ukraine have left women more vulnerable to it than men. CPTSD is a more complex condition than PTSD – based on six clusters of symptoms – and may require longer interventions for recovery.

The report also notes that existing trauma treatments would likely be beneficial to support those affected by this conflict – with online delivery a potential solution, given the geographically dispersed population.

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