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Question
The situation in Ukraine remains volatile with recent reports of attacks in Kharkiv. Secretary Blinken’s visit highlights the need for international support. With Russia attempting to undermine democratic processes, what further action can be taken beyond military aid?
Minister reply
Despite ongoing volatility on the Ukrainian frontline, we remain committed to supporting Ukraine's victory over Russian aggression. The substantial western support is reflected in recent visits like Secretary Blinken’s. Regarding Georgia, it has the right to pursue its own path towards NATO and EU membership if desired. Our cooperation with Georgia remains strong, including meaningful defence relations.
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Question
Do you agree that Putin’s failure in Ukraine could have a similar effect on his regime as Soviet failure in Afghanistan did? Does the timing of the renewed Russian attack suggest an attempt to undermine recent American aid announcements?
Minister reply
Yes, Putin's ongoing military operation reflects long-term weakness. The aggressive action coincides with delayed international support, likely aiming to divert attention and maintain momentum before more aid arrives.
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Question
Expresses concern about the new law in Georgia, discusses cross-party support for Ukraine's military aid and NATO allies. Asks about G7/EPC meetings on Georgia, disinformation activities, and air defence support for Ukraine.
Minister reply
Acknowledges concerns about Georgia, states that discussions with allies are frequent; mentions significant work to counter disinformation across the region; confirms gifting of thousands of units of air defence to Ukraine.
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Question
Expresses concern over abuse in Georgia, asks about sufficient ammunition reaching frontline troops in Kharkiv.
Minister reply
Confirms that representations have been made to the Georgian ambassador; confirms supply of 300,000 units of ammunition and ongoing efforts to increase munitions flow.
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Question
Supports Czechia’s munitions programme for Ukraine, questions stability of Georgia's Euro-Atlantic integration given current political climate.
Minister reply
States that the Czech programme is welcome but not joined to avoid duplication; agrees with importance of Georgian people deciding their own future through democratic processes.
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Question
Calls for extension of Operation Interflex to train Ukrainian female defender volunteers.
Minister reply
Agrees with training Ukrainian female defenders as requested.
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Question
Questions why production ramp-up has not occurred and why Russian state assets have not been seized for reparations to Ukraine.
Minister reply
Confirms ongoing efforts in increasing artillery supply; states that seizing Russian state assets requires a legal route.
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Question
Acknowledges UK's role in providing military equipment to Ukraine but criticises delay in provision of necessary artillery.
Minister reply
Reiterates efforts in supplying critical systems like NLAW; acknowledges possible missed opportunities post-invasion but focuses on current support.
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Jamie Stone
Lib Dem
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Question
Asks about UK's relationship with Turkey given its strategic importance to Georgia.
Minister reply
Confirms ongoing conversations; recognises Turkey’s contributions to Ukraine’s defence through provision of Bayraktar weapons system.
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Question
Concerned about potential risks to US-Georgia relationship over foreign agents law.
Minister reply
Notes the U.S. view and expresses concern; emphasises use of strong relationship with Georgia for amendment in their own interest.
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Question
Leeds’ sister city is Kharkiv. The people of Leeds are gravely concerned that the invasion of Kharkiv is imminent. Colleagues have already asked about artillery shells, but even bullets are in short supply. What is the UK doing to supply Ukrainian defence with ammunition? Are we upscaling humanitarian aid to evacuate civilians from Kharkiv?
Minister reply
We are putting more money into lethal aid support for Ukraine—an additional £500 million taking our support this year to £3 billion, and a lot of that will go on munitions. Humanitarian aid is also significant.
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Question
Russia's advancement in Kharkiv is due to insufficient ammunition supply from the west. Can we push harder for US ammunition delivery to Ukraine?
Minister reply
We are focused on increasing ammunition supplies and the $61 billion package from the US, combined with our additional support, will result in a tangible improvement.
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Question
Does Georgia respecting peaceful protest align with NATO aspirations? What military support can we deliver to prevent Russia from bombarding Kharkiv?
Minister reply
The support we can give now is to continue our remarkable supply of lethal aid, particularly with regard to air defence.
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Question
What action has been taken to make our views clear on the Georgian Government’s treatment of protesters?
Minister reply
The strong relationship we have with Georgia in the defence sector is an important means of ensuring a positive direction of travel.
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Question
Will the Minister have conversations to ensure NATO’s commitment and preparedness for Putin’s expansionism?
Minister reply
Of course, the consequence of Putin’s effort to demonstrate NATO’s weakness has been exactly the opposite: NATO is now larger and stronger than it was before February 2022.
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Question
The United Nations peacekeeping force currently procures military helicopters from Russia, funding Putin. Will this be raised at the G7?
Minister reply
I will ensure that my colleague, the Minister with responsibility for sanctions, takes it into account.
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Question
When will the first drones under the UK’s £200 million commitment be delivered to Ukrainian forces?
Minister reply
Very soon.
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Question
Will my hon. Friend impress on his Georgian counterpart that Georgia must live up to democratic aspirations?
Minister reply
Georgia must live up to the standard required if it is to be sincere about its democratic aspirations, and we do make that point.
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Question
Can the Minister confirm Operation Interflex will continue for as long as needed?
Minister reply
Our commitment to training our Ukrainian allies is enduring, and we will always respond to the type and form of training that they themselves require.
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Question
Will the Minister set out how we ensure ammunition reaches the frontline as quickly as possible?
Minister reply
By any measure, our commitment to Ukraine is significant and unwavering. Our annual support from £2.5 billion of lethal aid has increased to £3 billion.
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Question
What help and support are we giving to countries in eastern Europe feeling under threat from Putin?
Minister reply
We welcome those countries into the defensive NATO alliance. We have an enhanced forward presence battle group in Tallin and Estonia, demonstrating joint defensive work.