The UK is increasing its support for Ukraine as both countries mark the first anniversary of the landmark 100-year partnership.
- Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and Economy and Trade Minister Chris Bryant visited Kyiv today for the 100-year partnership summit.
- The visit comes as the UK government commits £20 million to strengthen Ukraine's energy infrastructure and the deputy prime minister meets families affected by drone attacks.
- This comes as the UK announces new initiatives to support reform and reconstruction in Ukraine.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and Minister of State in the Ministry of Economy and Trade Chris Bryant arrived in Kyiv this morning to meet Ukrainian ministers, business leaders and NGOs for a summit in Kyiv.
During his stay in the city, the deputy prime minister visited a missile attack site, met families affected by Russian drone strikes on their homes and heard from UNHCR staff providing humanitarian assistance.
This visit came as the UK government announced a further £20m of support for energy infrastructure to strengthen Ukraine's energy security following Russia's reckless and intensifying approach to Ukraine's energy sector.
The new support will help meet the urgent need to keep heat and electricity available to millions of families, children and the elderly. It will provide vital emergency support to repair, restore, protect and generate energy supplies across the country, maintaining electricity and heating in homes, hospitals and schools, even in harsh winter conditions.
Addressing a gathering of business leaders working in industries that benefit from the 100-year partnership, the Deputy Prime Minister praised the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people. The Deputy Prime Minister also announced that the UK will provide special training for Ukrainian commercial judges, which will be carried out independently of the judiciary of England and Wales.
The Deputy Prime Minister's full speech to the conference can be found below.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said:
I have the privilege to be here to mark the first anniversary of our 100-year partnership, because Ukraine's security is our security. This is more than just solidarity; Our friendship is a common stance against Russian aggression across Europe.
But today we go further: unlock investment, deepen collective action and reaffirm our leadership in the coalition of the willing. The United Kingdom and Ukraine stand side by side as true partners for freedom, committed to a just peace and a stronger, more secure future for our two nations.
Chris Bryant, Permanent Secretary at the Department for Business and Trade, also attended the event and spoke about leveraging UK expertise and best practice.
The UK Government's initiative will contribute to a stronger investment climate in Ukraine, boosting business investment confidence and increasing opportunities and capacity for reconstruction following Russia's illegal invasion.
Chris Bryant, Minister of State at the Department of Economy and Trade, said:
British businesses will benefit from one of the most significant recovery efforts of our generation – our partnership is not about the headlines; It's about creating the conditions for long-term growth, resilience and shared success.
The UK is in it for the long haul and we will continue to give Ukraine our full support and work with industry to ensure it can take advantage of these opportunities.
Minister Bryant also announced a series of measures to support Ukraine's reconstruction, deepen cooperation and support bilateral trade.
Three new development programs led by British companies will also further support Ukraine's recovery efforts, improve school infrastructure to help Ukrainian children learn, and leverage British expertise to develop a net-zero housing initiative, while opening up future opportunities for British companies to deliver for Ukraine.
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