The UK has stepped up its support to the people of Ukraine again
today (Sunday) with the announcement of £40 million of further
humanitarian aid to the country.
The funding will help aid agencies respond to the deteriorating
humanitarian situation, creating a lifeline for Ukrainians with
access to basic necessities and medical supplies such
as medicines, syringes, dressings and wound care packs. UK
Government humanitarian experts have also deployed to the region
to support those fleeing the violence in Ukraine.
On Saturday evening the Prime Minister spoke again to Ukrainian
President Zelenskyy who updated him on the critical need for
humanitarian assistance as people are forced to flee their homes
and seek safety.
This evening he met Ukrainian community leaders at the Ukrainian
Catholic Cathedral in London to hear their stories about the
impact of Russian violence on the people of Ukraine.
In response to the growing concern of Ukrainians living in the UK
about their welfare of their families back home, today the Prime
Minister also confirmed that any person settled in the UK will be
able to bring their Ukrainian immediate family members to join
them here. This will benefit many thousands of people who at this
moment are making desperate choices about their future.
The UK also continues to support those Ukrainians who wish to
remain close to home through logistical and humanitarian support
to Ukraine’s neighbours.
The Prime Minister said:
“In the last days the world has witnessed awe-inspiring
displays of bravery and heroism from the Ukrainian people in
response to those who seek to obliterate their freedom by
force.
“The UK will not turn our backs in Ukraine’s hour of
need. We are providing all the economic and military support we
can to help those Ukrainians risking everything to protect their
country.”
This latest assistance package brings the total amount of UK
Government aid pledged to Ukraine this year to £140 million. Last
week the Prime Minister also announced the UK would guarantee up
to $500 million of loans to Ukraine through Multilateral
Development Banks.
The UK also continues to supply defensive military equipment to
the Ukrainian military to bolster their resistance against
invading Russian forces.
Foreign Secretary said:
“Putin’s regime has undertaken an illegal and violent assault
against the people of Ukraine.
“The UK will provide £40 million in aid to help our Ukrainian
friends, more funding to tackle what is becoming a humanitarian
crisis.
“We stand with Ukraine, shoulder to shoulder, in its hour of
need”.
