Ukraine

Raises concern over delays in processing Ukrainian refugee applications under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, urging the Minister to address this issue with Home Office colleagues.

Agrees that targeting civilian infrastructure is part of Russia's strategy but questions whether such attacks are militarily significant or an attempt to break Ukrainian will by interrupting supplies.

Asks for more information on efforts by the UK to support Ukraine in providing heating systems as a response to increased targeting of civilian infrastructure like water and electricity supply.

Questions whether Turkey's efforts are solely responsible for ensuring grain shipments through the maritime corridor, seeking assurance that Turkish support will continue.

Addresses the challenges of maintaining western unity as winter sets in and energy prices rise. Asks for comments on steps being taken to ensure UK's part while standing firm with NATO allies.

Suggests revisiting the supply of longer-range missiles to Ukraine in light of recent developments, considering their potential impact on Russian naval operations in the Black Sea.

Emphasised humanitarian support for Ukraine.

Asked the Minister to provide reassurance on UK's commitment to counter-disinformation unit and collaboration with FCDO to combat Russian propaganda.

Congratulated the Government for supporting Ukraine, but suggested a rethink on sanctions. Emphasised that while Putin is responsible, many Russians support the war and must be held accountable collectively. Proposed freezing Russian assets to aid in reconstruction of Ukraine post-war.

Welcomed the statement about Kherson's liberation but expressed concern over potential retaliation. Acknowledged the bravery of Ukrainians who resisted early in the conflict and condemned Russian violations of the Geneva Convention. Emphasised the economic importance of Ukraine, particularly its agricultural products, highlighting the need for long-term economic guarantees to aid post-conflict recovery. Underlined the human element of the struggle, with a focus on LGBTQ+ Ukrainians fighting for their rights and societal change. Praised Maksym Eristavi's work documenting LGBTQ+ contributions. Called for continued support from the UK Government in aiding Ukraine's liberation.

Seely discussed the Russian strategy in Ukraine, emphasising two main prongs: securing a defensible line and destroying civilian morale. He highlighted Surovikin's decision to withdraw from Kherson as strategic, creating a buffer with the Dnipro river. Seely noted that while this might buy Russia time, an effective Ukrainian advance south of Zaporizhzhia is unlikely due to geography and resource constraints. The second prong involves targeting civilian infrastructure to weaken morale. Seely warned about potential Russian use of chemical or nuclear weapons if faced with defeat, stressing the importance of preparing for these eventualities. He also addressed internal pressure within Russia from nationalist-fascist groups and soldiers' families, suggesting potential regime collapse if Russia loses the war. Seely concluded by emphasising the need to prepare for post-war scenarios in Russia and to strengthen diplomatic support for Ukraine globally.

Urges the government to ensure rapid disbursement of humanitarian aid and support for organisations clearing mines. Emphasises the need for accountability for war crimes, including sexual violence as a weapon of war, and highlights the importance of preventing mass atrocities through rigorous international approaches.

Member Ben Spencer thanked constituents in his constituency for their support towards Ukrainian refugees. He mentioned specific community groups like Revive café, Weybridge Friends of Ukraine, and individuals such as Lizzie Wayland and Olena Melnyk who have been instrumental in providing assistance. He also praised the Right Rev. Kenneth Nowakowski for his role in supporting the refugee response. Additionally, Spencer highlighted challenges related to sponsor-refugee relationships breaking down after six months and proposed that local authorities might receive financial support from the government if such relationships break down.

Member Dean Russell echoed Ben Spencer's comments, highlighting the support provided by his constituents in Watford to Ukrainian refugees. He mentioned a remembrance ceremony held at St Mary’s church where a beautiful Ukrainian poem was read from the pulpit.

Member Andy Carter intervened to express concern over sponsor-refugee relationships breaking down after six months and suggested that the Government could encourage sponsors to continue their support. He attended a meeting of Ukrainian family sponsors in his constituency where he learned about potential challenges faced by both sponsors and refugees.

Member Sarah Champion raised concerns regarding funding for support schemes after the initial year, suggesting that the Treasury might need to step up and fund these programmes from February onwards. She pointed out that current Home Office funding is sourced from official development assistance, which limits its duration.

Emphasises the need for long-term support to Ukraine, including military, economic, and diplomatic support. Urges Europe to stick together in supporting Ukraine despite Putin's efforts to divide them. Advocates for rebuilding Ukraine’s infrastructure through civic society, charities, and volunteers.

Argues against the notion of easing support for Ukraine now that territorial advances have been made. Proposes equipping Ukrainian forces with longer-range ATACMS missiles to target Russian navy assets in Crimea and the Black Sea. Advocates setting clear conditions for peace, including full decolonisation of Russian forces from Ukraine's territory, prosecution of Russia for aggression, and full prisoner exchange. Suggests proscribing the United party of Russia as a terrorist organisation and designating Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism to increase political pressure on Putin.

Fellow Liberal Democrat MP Richard Foord echoed earlier comments about the debate's informativeness, praising contributions from other MPs. He emphasised that the UK should not set aims for Ukraine that differ from those of Kyiv as Russia seeks to portray the war as one it did not seek, aiming to stimulate fear in its people and discredit NATO involvement. Foord argued against defined grand strategic war aims without a clear end state, comparing today’s situation with 1916 rather than 1914 when Britain intervened directly. He cited US General Mark Milley's comments about Ukraine fighting Russia to a standstill and the need for diplomatic solutions, contrasting them with Baron Richards’ views on defining NATO strategy. Foord disagreed with the lead MP that safe skies through NATO no-fly zones were appropriate, instead supporting full Ukrainian territorial control goals.

Byrne interjected to agree with Richard Foord's disagreement on a NATO-policed no-fly zone but stressed the need for greater supply of air defence weapons to Ukraine, aligning with his earlier stance.

Stephen Doughty thanked colleagues for their contributions to the debate on supporting Ukraine. He highlighted several points made by other MPs, including reflections on Russian war crimes, the need for long-term commitment from allies, and concerns about misinformation and disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining support for Ukraine. Doughty also emphasised the importance of addressing humanitarian needs such as demining, environmental risks due to infrastructure attacks, and continuing support for refugees through programmes like Homes for Ukraine. He concluded by stressing that Putin’s war is a choice driven by imperial ambitions, while Ukraine's fight is one of necessity and survival.

Pollard emphasised the need for a long-term plan for Ukraine and expressed support for Operation Interflex and training with allies. He also raised concerns about dual-use technology and called for a refresh of the integrated review.

Djanogly shared reflections on his visit to Ukraine, noting the importance of reconstruction funding and discussed whether it is Putin or Russia that should be held accountable for war crimes.

Docherty-Hughes spoke about accountability for war crimes, the global context of resource terrorism and the existential nature of Ukraine's struggle. He also highlighted the work of the Pride brigade in combatting Russian aggression.

Seely discussed the two-pronged approach of the Russian war machine and raised concerns about chemical weapons use. He speculated on Putin's revolutionary endgame and suggested that all options remain on the table.

Champion praised ongoing support for the HALO Trust, which has cleared 16,000 square metres of land in Ukraine. She also called for a joined-up approach to accountability and highlighted the need for humanitarian aid.

Spencer acknowledged the compassion shown by his constituents towards Ukrainian refugees and asked technical questions about Homes for Ukraine. He thanked Revive café, Weybridge Friends of Ukraine, and the Weybridge community hub.

Rimmer called for solidarity among allies on Ukraine and emphasised the importance of diplomatic unity in supporting Ukraine's cause. She highlighted President Zelensky’s leadership during his visit to Kherson.

Byrne passionately advocated for designating United Russia and Russia as a state sponsor of terror, while also discussing long-range fire support and the need for sanctions enforcement against seized assets. He highlighted the historical parallels with Miloševic.

Foord drew historical parallels to 1916, discussed Catherine the Great’s approach to borders, and shared insights from discussions with a Ukrainian MP colleague. He raised concerns about imperial overreach.

Doughty praised President Zelensky’s leadership during his visit to Kherson, discussed de-mining efforts with the HALO Trust, and called for unity in countering disinformation. He also raised concerns about Iran's role in supplying missiles.

Evans highlighted his participation in a Ukraine fundraiser at St Paul’s Church, emphasising the Welsh theme of the event with performances by the London Welsh choir and soprano Rebecca Evans. He noted that the music was ethereal and praised those raising funds for Ukraine across the country.