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Question
Will the Government confirm that the 1994 Budapest Memorandum commits to respecting Ukraine’s territorial integrity and what those obligations entail? Does the Minister agree that preventing Nord Stream 2 is a tool for peace, ensuring gas flows through Ukraine, thus deterring Russian aggression? Additionally, does the UK understand the potential economic impact of excluding Russia from SWIFT as an effective deterrent against war? Finally, how prepared is the UK for cyber and espionage threats in case of conflict?
Minister reply
The UK position on Nord Stream 2 remains unchanged; it undermines European security by reducing Ukraine's role in gas transit. Sanctions are already in place for those responsible for Crimea’s annexation without future speculation to preserve their efficacy. We support Ukraine defensively and diplomatically, urging Putin to de-escalate.
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Question
What reassurances do we provide NATO allies in eastern Europe amid tensions with Russia? Is this part of a wider pattern of Russian aggression across Ukraine, Belarus, and Bosnia? Will the Minister engage German Government on cancelling Nord Stream 2 to ensure European energy unity against Russia’s dependency? Additionally, what steps will be taken at home to challenge Russia’s behaviour, especially concerning dirty money from corrupt elites sustaining Putin's regime?
Minister reply
Support for Ukraine is united, emphasising co-ordinated defence and economic support. Concerns about Nord Stream 2 are echoed; sanctions against those involved in Crimea's annexation remain active. Recommendations from the Russia report await full implementation.
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Question
Is the current situation an opportunity for new German Government to outline their policy on Russian aggression? Does unity among US, UK, and EU send a clear message to Putin that any aggression will face severe penalties?
Minister reply
Russian incursion would be strategic mistake with catastrophic costs; co-ordinated international response is key. Incoming German Government plays crucial role in upcoming dialogue with Russia. The UK remains committed to calling out Russian aggression globally.
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Question
I am chilled by today's Financial Times article mentioning Vladimir Putin’s essay, which ends with the words: “For we are one people” when talking about Ukraine and Russia. The Scottish National party will be part of the coalition in taking action against Russian aggression. There must be consequences for further actions. We have heard that the SWIFT payment system and Nord Stream 2 must be on the table, but there has been no answer to this yet. I urge the government to take serious action implementing recommendations from the Intelligence and Security Committee’s Russia report.
Minister reply
Russia is clearly in breach of international law with its aggressive actions towards Ukraine. The UK Government continues to step up efforts both domestically and internationally to tackle illicit finance entering our country, including increasing investigations into corrupt elites by the National Crime Agency. However, I cannot comment on SWIFT as it involves US jurisdiction.
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Question
The UK has a special responsibility under the Budapest memorandum to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Will the Government look into increasing support not only for Ukrainian forces in Donbass but also those defending the Black sea ports?
Minister reply
Russia is in clear breach of its commitments under the Budapest memorandum through its actions against Ukraine. We stand by Ukraine and are considering extending our support, but it will be purely defensive and not construed as a threat to Russia.
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Question
Russia has consistently engaged in semi-war activities in various democracies such as Georgia, Greece, North Macedonia, Republika Srpska, trying to engineer difficulties. Do we not need to ensure our own democratic system is safe from Russian assault?
Minister reply
The UK recognises the threat posed by Russia’s actions and engages with them through functional channels while restating support for Ukraine's sovereignty and urging de-escalation.
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Question
There is a need for a cross-Government atrocity prevention strategy. Are there any build-ups of Russian troops around Mariupol, potentially blocking off the Black sea? Will we stand firm behind our friends in both Ukraine and Bosnia?
Minister reply
The UK closely monitors the situation regarding Russian military build-up near Ukraine and calls on Russia to uphold its OSCE commitments.
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Question
President Biden used the term “catastrophic” consequences for a Russian invasion of Ukraine. If we see a hybrid attack, will there be catastrophic consequences then?
Minister reply
The Russians should stop supporting those destabilising forces in the Donbass region under their control.
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Question
Given that the Budapest memorandum means we have a special obligation towards Ukraine, can you give an update on the membership action plan for NATO? Should we start debating Ukrainian NATO membership?
Minister reply
We support Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations as per the 2008 Bucharest summit declaration.
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Question
Yesterday's White House statement did not mention sanctions. Can you confirm that on yesterday’s national security call, the Prime Minister pushed for significant and co-ordinated sanctions targeting Putin’s inner circle?
Minister reply
We work closely with international partners to ensure sanctions remain in place as long as Russia maintains its control over Crimea.
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Question
President Putin is testing us. We need a consensus on specific sanctions that would apply if there is Russian aggression.
Minister reply
We call on Russia to abide by international commitments and warn of severe economic consequences for any military excursion.
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Question
President Putin respects only strength. Many have raised SWIFT sanctions. Would an EU regulation be required to exclude Russia from the SWIFT system, as was done with Iran?
Minister reply
Any military excursion would be a miscalculation and expect massive strategic consequences including severe economic sanctions.
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Question
Expresses disappointment that the Government have not volunteered a statement on the current crises in the Balkans, Russia's aggressive military maneuvers, and energy supply issues. Asks when the Government will take on board the fact that a comprehensive and united western response is needed against Russia.
Minister reply
The UK has been clear about the threat posed by Russia to both its own security and that of its allies. The Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister are working closely with friends and allies, prioritising defence not only of the UK but also of NATO partners.
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Question
Questions whether President Putin's ability to use energy as a weapon against the west undermines the effectiveness of sanctions against Russia.
Minister reply
The UK has voiced concerns about Nord Stream 2, which undermines European security and allows Russia to tighten its grip on gas-reliant nations. The UK will continue to raise these issues.
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Question
Raises the hypothetical scenario of Ukraine being a NATO member and questions if economic sanctions are enough without military intervention, while noting historical complexities in Russian territories.
Minister reply
The UK supports Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Defending itself against any Russian incursion is vital.
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Question
Urges the Minister to ensure NATO speaks with one voice regarding Russia's threats, pointing out mixed messages from NATO leaders.
Minister reply
The UK works closely with international partners like the US, Germany, France, Italy, and the EU to maintain a consistent approach.
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Question
Asks if all diplomatic channels are being used to ensure Ukraine’s safety as a sovereign country.
Minister reply
The UK is at the forefront of international efforts, urging Russia to de-escalate and return to diplomacy.
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Question
Asks if the Prime Minister should speak collectively with NATO and EU to ensure a united front on Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Belarus.
Minister reply
The UK raised these issues at NATO last week to maintain a consistent approach.
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Question
Inquires about treaty obligations under the Budapest memorandum for forward deployment of NATO troops if invited by Ukraine.
Minister reply
Russia is in clear breach of its commitments under the Budapest memorandum, but specifics regarding forward deployment are not addressed.
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Question
Critiques the Government for failing to implement recommendations from the Russia report and questions their credibility in projecting influence globally.
Minister reply
The UK has a number of sanctions in place, works with international partners, and is clear that any incursion into Ukraine would result in severe consequences.
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Question
Welcomes training provided by British forces to Ukrainian armed forces but reminds the government to address corruption and human rights issues.
Minister reply
The UK stands up for human rights and against corruption globally, including in Ukraine.
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Question
Asks for clarity on defensive postures of British armed forces in support of Ukraine.
Minister reply
UK and allies provide a range of defensive support to Ukraine, reiterating that it is fundamentally non-aggressive.
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Question
Asks about the extent of grey zone sub-threshold attacks such as cyber and disinformation from Russia.
Minister reply
Does not comment on intelligence matters from the Dispatch Box.
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Question
Asks for confirmation of UK’s commitment to NATO allies in the Baltic states, including enhanced forward presence.
Minister reply
The UK stands by its NATO allies, reiterating that any Russian incursion into Ukraine would be a strategic mistake.
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Question
Asks for confirmation of use of every tool to ensure NATO allies stand steadfast in protecting Ukraine.
Minister reply
The UK stands with its NATO allies and supports the message that any Russian incursion into Ukraine would be a massive strategic mistake.
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Question
Asks for action against Russian 'wallets' in London to address the issue seriously.
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary stands by troops and freedom, without specifics on actions against Russian individuals.
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Question
I am proud to represent a Ukrainian community and will celebrate Ukrainian Christmas with them in January. Will the Minister reaffirm that we will work with our NATO allies to support Ukraine's sovereignty?
Minister reply
We stand with our NATO allies in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, and wish Ukrainians a happy Christmas.
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Question
Russia could destabilise Europe by pushing migrants into the Suwalki corridor. What assessment has been made of this scenario, and what humanitarian support would be provided?
Minister reply
We are clear that Russian actions pose a threat to national security and we are providing humanitarian aid to those affected by the crisis.
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Question
Will the Minister confirm that firm deterrents and warnings against Putin’s behaviour towards Ukraine are being delivered directly to the Kremlin?
Minister reply
We speak with one voice with our allies, including clear messages in calls between world leaders.
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Question
Will we look at defensive options for Ukraine that include cyber-security and information operations to counter Russian tactics?
Minister reply
We are considering responses in all domains, including the assistance of the Minister for the Armed Forces.
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Question
Will my hon. Friend support a strengthening of our £23 million counter-disinformation and development aid package to Ukraine?
Minister reply
We stand by the people of Ukraine, providing support to enhance its defence capability alongside NATO allies.