Tag: Ukraine

President Zelenskyy to visit Downing Street today as UK ‘doubles down’ on support for Ukraine

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  • Prime Minister to host President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Downing Street today to underline the UK’s rock-solid support for Ukraine ‘for as long as it takes‘
  • UK will ‘double down’ on support for Ukraine, with the Prime Minister set to tell President Zelenskyy that he has asked Ministers to draw up further sanctions, military support and fiscal packages to provide urgent support in the coming weeks, and will accelerate delivery of critical air defence missiles
  • Comes as the Chancellor presses partners at the IMF meetings to step up support for Ukraine and ensure Russia heeds the US’ call for a full energy ceasefire.

President Zelenskyy will arrive in the UK this morning as the UK calls on international partners to step up sanctions on Russia and increase pressure on Putin to respect the United States’ calls for an energy ceasefire.

It comes as the UK doubles down on support for Ukraine, including delivering £45 million of surface-to-air missiles deliveries and standing by plans to fully implement a maritime services ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports – restricting Russia’s access to the UK’s world leading shipping and insurance services.

The UK will accelerate deliveries of British Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs), which have proven extremely effective against jet-powered drones that are being used to strike far beyond the front lines in Ukraine, including Kyiv and beyond.

The drones are faster and can fly far higher than propeller-driven Shaheds, making them harder to detect and destroy before they hit targets.

The UK has already committed £1.6 billion to deliver more than 5000 LMMs to Ukraine over the next four years and will accelerate £10 million of the £45m package of missiles announced today to meet Ukraine’s most urgent winter requirements. 

Ahead of the two leaders meeting today, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “Our rock-solid support to Ukraine is vital for keeping us safe here in the UK and ensuring those on the frontlines have the equipment they need to push back Russia.

“My message to the Ukrainian people could not be clearer, we are with you for as long as it takes, and we will go further and faster in our support to back your courageous fight for peace in Europe.

“It is not just the right thing to do, but it’s the necessary thing to do. Russia’s aggression cannot be allowed to succeed on our continent.”

The Prime Minister has also asked Ministers to draw up further sanctions, military aid, and fiscal packages to provide urgent support in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Chancellor John Healey will use his meetings at the IMF in Bangkok to urge partners to fully implement an equivalent ban on Russian LNG, following the UK’s lead. This comes after the Foreign Secretary did the same with partners at the Warsaw Security Forum yesterday.

As Russia continues its bombardment of Ukraine’s capital Kyiv and energy infrastructure, the Chancellor will argue that this must be met by European resolve and unity – ensuring our unshakeable commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty stands strong.   

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey said: “Conflict in the Middle East and in Europe is hitting people across the world.

“As the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Putin continues, our commitment to the Ukrainian people is unshakeable.

“I urge partners to back the ban on Russian LNG, like we have done in the UK, to curtail the war chest funding Putin so desperately wants.”

Two Edinburgh-based Scots awarded Fellowships for international research and musical study

Two Edinburgh-based Scots are among nine recipients of Scottish International Education Trust (SIET) Fellowships supporting international study, research and professional development.

Edinburgh-based researcher Andro Mathewson has been awarded a Fellowship to undertake final-stage doctoral research in Ukraine, while Edinburgh flautist Clio Scott will use hers to continue her advanced musical studies in Vienna.

Andro, who was born in Illinois and brought up in Scotland, is completing a PhD at King’s College London examining unmanned systems in the Russia-Ukraine war. His Fellowship will support a 10-day final-stage research visit to Ukraine, allowing him to undertake research on the ground as he completes his doctorate.

As part of his research, Andro has created the Unmanned Systems Tracker, an open-source, publicly available website showing some of the data behind his research and helping to raise awareness of the importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare.

Andro Mathewson said: “Being funded by the Scottish International Education Trust is a great privilege and honour for me. Beyond the financial award, which will help me to finish my PhD research, including on-the-ground in Ukraine, it means a lot that a Scottish organization is supporting research in the realm of defense and emerging military technologies.

“As part of my research I have already created the Unmanned Systems Tracker (unmannedsystemstracker.com), an open-source, publicly available website showing some of the data behind my research to help raise awareness about the importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare.”

Clio Scott has been awarded a Fellowship to study for a Master’s in Instrumental Studies (Flute Performance) at MDW – University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna.

The award will help Clio meet the costs of her advanced musical training and allow her to focus on her studies with an internationally recognised teacher in Vienna.

Clio Scott said: “Being given an award by the Scottish International Education Trust feels like a huge vote of confidence in me. Training to be a classical musician is a long, arduous path and is also incredibly expensive.

The assistance offered by the SIET will help me to be able to fully immerse myself in my studies without worrying about financial barriers. I am beyond excited to be beginning the next stage of my education in Vienna, where I’ll have the opportunity to study with an incredible teacher in a city that’s renowned for its classical music as well as its beauty!”

The Fellowships are two of nine awarded by SIET in its Autumn 2026 awards round, supporting Scots to pursue international study, research and professional opportunities.

SIET Chair Nick Bibby said: “We are delighted to support another group of talented Scots as they take the next step in their education, research and professional development. 

“What unites our Fellows is not a particular subject or career path, but their ambition, drive and the potential of the international opportunities they have chosen to pursue. We are proud to play a part in helping Andro and Clio take these important next steps in their respective fields, and look forward to seeing where their international opportunities lead.”

SIET Director Ken Thomson said: “Our Fellows demonstrate the many different ways in which international education and experience can change the course of a life.

“These awards are about recognising ability and potential, but also about helping to remove financial barriers that can prevent talented people from taking up exceptional opportunities.

“We wish all nine Fellows every success as they embark on the next stage of their journeys, and hope that their experiences overseas will ultimately benefit not only their own careers but Scotland more widely.”

The Scottish International Education Trust was established in 1971 by founders Sir Sean Connery and Sir Jackie Stewart. For more than 50 years, the Trust has supported Scots to access transformative international educational experiences, particularly where financial circumstances might otherwise prevent them from doing so.

SIET typically supports postgraduate education overseas, but also funds musicians, artists, craftspeople and other professionals where education involves developing specialist skills outside a conventional academic setting.

Awards are made twice a year.

Britain is 100% behind you: Andy Burnham visits Kyiv on Ukrainian Independence Day

Andy Burnham will arrive in Ukraine today for his first overseas visit as Prime Minister

  • Prime Minister in Kyiv for first international visit to reiterate UK’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine
  • Comes as the Prime Minister announces the UK has agreed that defence firm MBDA can release classified information on UK components for the long-range missile, SCALP, to establish local assembly lines in Ukraine
  • Burnham expected to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and chair his first meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, alongside other world leaders in the city to mark Independence Day

Andy Burnham will arrive in Ukraine today (Monday 24 August) for his first overseas visit as Prime Minister.

Just weeks after welcoming President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the UK in July as his first international guest, the Prime Minister has travelled to Kyiv to reiterate the UK’s unwavering support for the Ukrainian people.

Visiting on Independence Day, the Prime Minister will tell the Ukrainian people that the UK is four-square behind Ukraine’s independence, and Russia’s threats only strengthen the UK’s resolve.

To underline the strength of this commitment, the Prime Minister is set to announce that the Government has agreed that defence firm MBDA can release classified information on UK components for the long-range missile, SCALP, as Ukraine and France look to establish local assembly lines in Ukraine.

The missile is the French-produced version of the UK’s Storm Shadow, with both using shared French and British technology.

The move follows the UK being the first to gift long-range strike weapons for defensive purposes to Ukraine in 2023 and will allow the French and Ukrainians to move forward with the Ukrainian assembly of the missile.

It also complements the major UK effort to rapidly develop low-cost advanced long-range strike weapons for Ukraine through Project Brakestop.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “On Ukraine’s 35th anniversary of independence, the Ukrainian people should be in no doubt: the UK is behind you today and for as long as it takes.

“I am proud of the contribution our country has made to Ukraine and I want the Ukrainian people to hear it directly from me that our support will not waver. After all, Ukraine’s security is our security.

“The friendship between our two countries will long outlast Russia’s illegal war. In both the fight and in the rebuilding to come, we will stand with Ukraine and deliver opportunities for people across both our countries.

“Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve. We will not back down until there is a just and lasting peace.”

While in Kyiv, the Prime Minister will take part in Independence Day events and co-chair his first meeting of the Coalition of the Willing to discuss how the UK can continue to support Ukraine as it courageously defends itself against Russia’s illegal invasion. 

He will tell international partners that the UK’s leadership on Ukraine will remain steadfast under his Government.

While in Kyiv, the Prime Minister is expected to be presented with an award on behalf of the British people, in recognition of the United Kingdom’s support.

The UK has been one of Ukraine’s foremost partners since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, providing a range of military, economic, and diplomatic support, underpinned by the UK and Ukraine’s 100 Year Partnership.

This includes leading efforts to secure Ukraine’s long-term security alongside France as co-chairs of the Coalition of the Willing, and committing £25 billion in funding, including £16 billion in military assistance and £5.6 billion in non-military support.

Easter Fayre for Ukraine

SATURDAY 14th MARCH 11am – 2pm

EDINBURGH UKRAINIAN CLUB, ROYAL TERRACE

Come along for a wonderful community event filled with unique stalls, home baking, handmade gifts, and fun activities for everyone!

Enjoy tea, coffee or juice included with your entry, and children under 12 go free.

✨ Stalls include:

• Ukrainian gifts and crafts

• Home baking

• Handmade laser bags

• Bottle stall

• Lucky dip

• Gnome for home stall

📍 Edinburgh Ukrainian Club, 14 Royal Terrace, EH7 5AB

📅 Saturday, March 14

⏰ 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

🎟 £2 entry (includes tea/coffee/juice)

Most importantly, this event is held to support Ukraine during this difficult time. Every visit, every purchase, and every show of support helps our community stand strong and united with Ukraine.

Please come, bring your friends and family, and help us make a difference 💙💛

Edinburgh stands in solidarity with Ukraine four years on

The Lord Provost Robert Aldridge reflects on the Capital’s response over the last four years:

As we mark this solemn fourth anniversary of Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we also draw hope and comfort in Edinburgh’s long history as a proud, welcoming and diverse city.

Our biggest strength lies in those who live here – people from all walks of life, cultures, and backgrounds.

From our long-standing links with the Norwegians and Poles during and after the Second World War to the thousands of Ukrainians, Afghans, Syrians and other refugees and displaced families who now call Edinburgh home, we’re proud to be a city of sanctuary – welcoming all those who come here in search of a better life.

As Kyiv’s twin city, I’m incredibly proud of the role that Edinburgh’s communities have played in helping those fleeing the horrors of Russia’s illegal war, with around 3,000 Ukrainians now residing in the Capital.

Since the first days of the invasion, we’ve been working hard across our services to help assimilate Ukrainians into their new lives here. The wider collective response encompassing the public, private and third sectors represents the very best qualities of our city and our citizens.

Residents, volunteers, and colleagues have worked steadfastly to help our new arrivals, opening their hearts and in many cases their homes to Ukrainians in their hour of need.

In the first year of the conflict we worked alongside the Scottish Government and other partners to house over 1,500 Ukrainians aboard the MS Victoria at the Port of Leith.

Edinburgh continues to be the gateway for the vast majority of Ukrainian arrivals into Scotland. Since February 2022, we have had almost 12,000 Ukrainians pass through our Welcome Hub, first at Gogarburn House and now at Flassches Yard. 

On Tuesday morning, alongside representatives from the Scottish and UK Governments, the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain and other partners, I laid a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance.

My thoughts remain with those continuing to fight for freedom, those who have fallen or been injured in defence of Ukraine, and for everyone who has had to abandon their homes and lives.

Whilst this terrible war has endured for longer than any of us could have imagined, my hope remains that we will soon see peace in Ukraine.

To Edinburgh’s Ukrainian population my message is simple. This is your home. You are a valued part of our city and have our full support for as long as you need it.

Charity Concert: Daughters of Donbas – Songs of Stolen Children

THURSDAY 29th JANUARY at 8pm

ST MARY’S EPISCOPAL CATHEDRAL, PALMERSTON PLACE

On Thursday 29th January, St Mary’s Cathedral is hosting a very special concert: Daughters of Donbas — Songs of Stolen Children.

This is a fundraising concert for SaveUkraine, which helps rescue children kidnapped from the Donbas region of Ukraine.

With famous Ukrainian singer Marichka, accompanied by string quartet and bandura.

Tickets are £20/10, via our website.

http://www.cathedral.net/event…/daughters-of-donbas

‘Coalition of the Willing’ set to meet as leaders focus on crippling Russia’s ability to wage war

European leaders set to arrive in London today for a meeting of the ‘Coalition of Willing’ as Ukraine’s allies ramp up pressure on Russia heading into winter

  • Global leaders set to convene this afternoon both in person in London, and virtually, to discuss how they can pile pressure on Putin
  • Prime Minister will urge leaders to act to take Russian oil and gas off the global market, finish the job on Russian sovereign assets to unlock billions of pounds to fund Ukraine’s defences, and step up the gifting of long-range capabilities
  • Meeting comes as the Prime Minister announces acceleration of missile delivery programme to deliver 140 lightweight-multirole missiles to Ukraine this winter, supporting UK jobs

PILING PRESSURE ON PUTIN?

European leaders are set to arrive in London today for a critical meeting of the ‘Coalition of Willing’ as Ukraine’s allies ramp up pressure on Russia heading into winter.

Leaders will convene this afternoon, both in person and virtually, to discuss how they can pile pressure on Putin as he continues to kill innocent civilians with indiscriminate attacks across Ukraine, including hitting a nursery filled with toddlers and children this week.

The London hosted meeting comes after Putin proved yet again that he is not serious about ending his illegal war, failing to engage with President Trump’s most recent proposals for meaningful peace talks.

Leaders are expected to use the meeting to focus the world’s attention on how they can further strengthen Ukraine’s hand and cripple Russia’s ability to continue to wage war.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “The only person involved in this conflict who does not want to stop the war is President Putin, and his depraved strikes on young children in a nursery this week make that crystal clear.

“Time and again we offer Putin the chance to end his needless invasion, to stop the killing and recall his troops, but he repeatedly rejects those proposals and any chance of peace.

“From the battlefield to the global markets, as Putin continues to commit atrocities in Ukraine we must ratchet up the pressure on Russia and build on President Trump’s decisive action.

“After all, Ukraine’s security matters to us all, and what happens on the frontline of Donetsk today is shaping our collective future for years to come.”

In the past fortnight, the international community has stepped up its decisive action to force President Putin back to the negotiating table and secure a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

That has included the US’ decisive action this week to place a chokehold round Putin’s finance flows and sanction two of the largest Russian oil companies, following the UK action taken last week.

The European Union has also adopted its 19th sanctions package against Russia, further targeting the Russian oil trade and cracking down on financial loopholes, and Ukraine’s allies have accelerated work to use the full value of immobilised Russian Sovereign Assets to support Ukraine – a move that would be unprecedented and finance Ukraine’s war efforts for years to come.

The government has been clear that the UK’s national security – the foundation of the Government’s Plan for Change – starts in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister Dick Schoof, as well as the NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, are all expected to attend the meeting in person at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office today.

They will be greeted by children from St Mary’s Ukrainian School, which has welcomed hundreds of displaced Ukrainian children since Russia’s full-scale invasion.

A further 20 leaders are expected to dial into the call.

During the call, the Prime Minister is expected to call on leaders to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position going into the winter. He will urge leaders to act to take Russian oil and gas off the global market, finish the job on Russian sovereign assets to unlock billions of pounds to fund Ukraine’s defences, and step up the gifting of long-range capabilities to ensure Ukraine can build on its success of this week.

Leaders will also discuss how more can be done to protect energy infrastructure, as Russia continues to systematically destroy critical national infrastructure, plunging millions of innocent Ukrainians into the cold and dark.

The Prime Minister will announce that a UK missile building programme has been accelerated to deliver more than 100 extra air defence missiles ahead of schedule to bolster Ukraine’s defences through the depths of winter.

The package forms part of the £1.6bn deal between UK industry and Ukraine in March to provide more than 5,000 lightweight-multirole missiles (LMM) to support Ukraine’s defence, creating 200 jobs and supporting 700 existing jobs at Thales in Belfast.

The contract tripled the LMM production capacity and as work has progressed quicker than expected the delivery of an extra 140 LMMs will be accelerated to provide to Ukraine in the winter months.

Concert: The Voices That Unite

PORTOBELLO TOWN HALL

9th NOVEMBER at 3pm

🎶 We invite everyone to the concert “the voices that unite”!

You will enjoy a performance of soloists, choir, vocal group, dance groups and special guests!

Admission is free – free tickets by QR code or link.

🗓 November 9, 2025

🕒 о 15:00

📍 Portobello Town Hall, EH15 1AF

https://buytickets.at/associationofukrainiansingr…/1916016

New funding for Ukraine as Foreign Secretary visits Kyiv making clear Ukraine’s security is the UK’s security

  • UK aid funding boost to support Ukraine’s emergency energy needs and help vulnerable communities targeted by Putin’s aggression
  • Foreign Secretary to meet President Zelenskyy, Ukrainian Ministers to boost UK and Ukraine relationship, because Ukraine’s security is crucial to the UK’s security 
  • She will show unwavering support and hear from the Ukrainian people living through Russia’s aggression

Energy infrastructure and targeted communities in Ukraine will get new support to build resilience and support thanks to vital UK aid, as Yvette Cooper visits Ukraine in her first trip as Foreign Secretary.

In a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian people who are on the frontline in defending their country and standing up against Russian aggression in Europe, the Foreign Secretary is clear that Ukraine is a priority for the UK.

After a summer of Russian delay tactics at peace talks, weeks of increased attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure, and ahead of a difficult winter, her visit will reaffirm that this support is ironclad.

On Tuesday, Russia’s unprecedented violation of a NATO airspace in Poland showed a complete disregard for sovereignty and peace, following Russia’s delay tactics at peace talks throughout the summer. The Foreign Secretary will underscore the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine during her visit and make clear that the defence of Ukraine against Russian aggression is vital to the security of the UK and the whole of Europe.

The Foreign Secretary is due to visit the Cabinet of Ministers building in Kyiv, which was significantly damaged in recent Russia strikes. She will also visit one of the residential buildings destroyed by Russia’s brutal attacks on Ukraine, meeting families and children to hear first-hand their traumatising experiences of living through Putin’s illegal invasion.

The Foreign Secretary has also announced £142 million in UK aid, supporting Ukraine through winter and into next year.

£100 million will provide vital support for humanitarian assistance to help civilians in frontline communities, protect the most vulnerable and provide emergency support for those impacted by Russia’s continued attacks. This will include repairing critical water and heating systems, and helping to support livelihoods and jobs and strengthen Ukrainian resilience in the fourth winter of Russia’s illegal war.

£42 million will help carry out vital repairs to the electricity transmission network and put in place critical protection for gas and power infrastructure as winter starts to bite.

Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper said: “I have chosen to visit Ukraine in my first few days as Foreign Secretary because Ukraine’s security is crucial to the UK’s security.

“I am clear that the UK’s support is unwavering and stronger than ever as we know the long-term security and stability threat that Russian aggression poses not just to Ukraine, but to the whole of Europe and to all of us here in the UK. 

“Through our ongoing military support, lifesaving funding announced today, the UK-Ukraine 100 Year Partnership and our ongoing leadership of the Coalition of the Willing, we will be by Ukraine’s side to achieve a just and lasting peace, and in friendship for years to come.

“Putin’s bombardment of Ukrainian civilians, his stalling and delaying in internationally-backed peace talks, and his blatant disregard for human life must end.”

Ukraine’s security is crucial to the UK’s national security, which is a central part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change.

As part of her visit, she will also meet with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, Foreign Minister Sybiha and Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko.

As part of her discussions with Foreign Minister Sybiha, she will also discuss shared priorities as part of the UK-Ukraine Strategic Dialogue, which will culminate in a meeting between the Prime Minister and the President.

Statement by co-chairs of the ‘Coalition of the Willing’: 13 August

President Macron, Prime Minister Starmer and Chancellor Merz today co-chaired a virtual meeting of a grouping of ‘Coalition of the Willing’ leaders yesterday

President Macron, Prime Minister Starmer and Chancellor Merz co-chaired a virtual meeting of a grouping of ‘Coalition of the Willing’ Leaders and with the participation of President Zelenskyy and Vice-President Vance, ahead of President Trump’s meeting with President Putin in Alaska.

Leaders welcomed President Trump’s efforts to stop the killing in Ukraine, end Russia’s war of aggression, and achieve just and lasting peace. They welcomed the open discussions with President Trump earlier that day.

They were clear that the path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine.

It was necessary to continue an approach that combined active diplomacy, support to Ukraine and pressure on Russia. A diplomatic solution must protect Ukraine’s and Europe’s vital security interests.

They also reiterated that:

First, meaningful negotiations can only take place in the context of a ceasefire or a lasting and significant cessation of hostilities.

Second, sanctions and wider economic measures to put pressure on Russia’s war economy should be strengthened if Russia does not agree to a ceasefire in Alaska.

Third, international borders must not be changed by force.

Fourth, Ukraine must have robust and credible security guarantees to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Coalition of the Willing is ready to play an active role, including through plans by those willing to deploy a reassurance force once hostilities have ceased. No limitations should be placed on Ukraine’s armed forces or on its cooperation with third countries. Russia could not have a veto against Ukraine‘s pathway to EU and NATO. 

They confirmed they would continue to cooperate closely with President Trump and with the United States of America, and with President Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine, for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.