The Prime Minister has said that the UK will “continue to pursue more options for bolstering Ukraine’s self-defence” as the ongoing invasion by Russia continues.
Boris Johnson made the announcement as he commended the country’s people on their “fortitude” in the face of Russian aggression.
His vow was made in a call with Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday (March 13), when Johnson said the UK would “continue to stand behind Ukraine in all their efforts to bring an end to this disastrous conflict”.
It comes after the Department of Health and Social Care said 21 Ukrainian children will receive life-saving cancer treatment in England after being brought over by the UK Government. It follows a new scheme which will now allow individuals, charities, community groups and businesses from across the UK to bring people escaping the war to safety by offering out spaces in their homes.
Mr Johnson commended Mr Zelensky and the Ukrainian people on their “fortitude”, adding that Russian president Vladimir Putin’s “barbaric actions” were “testing not just Ukraine but all of humanity”, No 10 said. Mr Johnson was said to have told Mr Zelensky during their call that the UK would “continue to pursue more options for bolstering Ukraine’s self-defence”.
A No10 spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister outlined the support the UK continues to deliver to Ukraine. He said the UK would continue to pursue more options for bolstering Ukraine’s self-defence, working with partners including at Tuesday’s meeting of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) in London.
“The Prime Minister said the UK would continue to stand behind Ukraine in all their efforts to bring an end to this disastrous conflict.”
Later, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said she had spoken to her Ukrainian counterpart Mr Kuleba. She tweeted: “Good to speak to Dmytro Kuleba. The bravery of the Ukrainian leadership and people is immense. (The UK) is doing all we can to support including defensive weapons and humanitarian aid.”
Mr Kuleba added that the pair had spoken about “next steps to apply more sanctions on Russia”. He tweeted: “Pressure must increase until Russia ceases its meaningless aggression and stops barbaric war crimes. Grateful to the UK for stepping up support for Ukraine.”
Mr Johnson is preparing to embark on a series of meetings with Nordic and Baltic leaders this week as he seeks to bolster European resilience following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Prime Minister will host a summit of the JEF in London, where he will urge leaders to work together to ensure no further nations fall victim to Vladimir Putin’s aggression, No 10 said.
Earlier on Sunday, it was disclosed that more than 3,000 visas had been issued to Ukrainians seeking refuge in the UK, with “tens of thousands” potentially set to benefit from a new humanitarian scheme.
Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove also announced that local authority areas would be entitled to more than £10,000 per Ukrainian refugee using the fresh route to the UK, with 'additional payments' offered to support school-age children who need to be accommodated within the education system.
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