Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Ukraine 2025-07-17

17 July 2025 · 17 other contributors

Opened by Secretary of State for Defence John Healey Lab Labour

Ukraine

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Secretary of State for Defence John Healey raised concerns about ukraine 2025-07-17 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Today marks day 1,239 since Russia launched a full-scale invasion on Ukraine
  • Russian forces seized approximately 550 sq km of territory last month
  • Casualty numbers have surpassed one million this year

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Secretary of State for Defence John Healey

Today marks day 1,239 since President Putin launched a full-scale invasion on Ukraine. Despite extensive losses, Russia continues to pressurize the Ukrainian frontline with a focus on Sumy and Pokrovsk. Last month saw Russian forces seize approximately 550 sq km of territory but face difficulties in taking fortified towns and cities. The number of casualties has surpassed one million this year alone. Putin's ambitions remain relentless; attack drones launched at Ukraine have increased significantly, reaching over 700 on a single night recently. Despite the onslaught, Ukrainians are retaliating with precision operations like 'Spider Web' that target Russian military assets. The UK and NATO are stepping up efforts to provide support to Ukraine. A deal was signed in London for advanced battlefield capabilities and technologies, resulting in increased defence spending pledges by 32 nations amounting to €40 billion this year. President Trump announced a significant shift towards providing NATO weapons transfers with a 50-day deadline for Putin to agree peace. The UK has committed over £4.5 billion in military aid this year, including the distribution of £700 million on artillery shells and air defence missiles through an extraordinary revenue acceleration scheme. Additionally, nearly 50,000 drones have been supplied since March and critical air defence systems are being provided with German support. Peace planning continues for post-conflict security arrangements led by the UK and France involving over 200 military planners from 30 nations. A multinational command headquarters in Paris will be established to support Ukraine’s defences, including a coordination HQ in Kyiv headed by a UK two-star military officer.

Other contributors (17)
  • James Cartlidge Con South Suffolk

    Question

    Inquires about confirmation that Russia has suffered the greatest losses and confirms the extent to which Putin disregards human impact. Questions on military hardware procurement from the US, potential sanctions against countries importing Russian oil and gas, provision of Taurus missiles by Germany or UK stocks as alternatives.

    Minister reply

    The Secretary of State emphasises that UK remains committed to supporting Ukraine with over £4.5 billion in aid this year, including critical air defence systems provided jointly with German support. The Government has not yet discussed potential sanctions policies directed against countries importing Russian oil and gas but is open to exploring such measures. Regarding Taurus missiles or using compatible Typhoon systems, the Secretary of State will continue discussions with allies.

  • James Cartlidge Con South Suffolk

    Question

    Queries about distinction between German mutual aid agreement and NATO Article 5, inquires on recent threats to RAF bases and overflights linked with nefarious Russian activity, seeks updates on review of security at UK military bases.

    Minister reply

    The Secretary of State clarifies that the mutual aid agreement with Germany complements but does not replace NATO’s commitment under Article 5. He acknowledges sensitivity regarding recent threats to RAF bases and overflights but cannot provide detailed updates due to security concerns. An ongoing review of security at UK military bases has been launched.

  • Alex Baker Lab Aldershot

    Question

    As the Member for Aldershot, I welcome this statement and thank the Secretary of State for his leadership. The outcome in Ukraine matters not only for European security but also for the UK’s standing as a reliable defence partner. Does he agree that long-term investment in British capabilities and industries is essential to sustaining our support and deterring further aggression?

    Minister reply

    My hon. Friend is entirely right: the UK has been the most reliable ally for Ukraine since before the full-scale invasion almost three and a half years ago. We are stepping up leadership on Ukraine, NATO, and defence investment in this country.

  • Helen Maguire Lib Dem Epsom and Ewell

    Question

    We welcome additional support to Ukraine but are concerned about President Trump’s unpredictable nature. What discussions are under way with European partners on seizing £25 billion in frozen Russian assets here in the UK? Will there be any planned deployment of UK personnel on land, at sea, or in the air once the Multinational Force Ukraine mission is operational?

    Minister reply

    We stand ready to expand sanctions on the Russian shadow fleet. Military planning for the coalition is complete but further details will be firmed up as we hope for a ceasefire soon. Discussions are ongoing with European partners regarding the use of frozen assets, and specific UK armed forces contributions will be confirmed at an appropriate stage.

  • Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West

    Question

    I welcome the 50,000 drones sent to Ukraine. What steps is the Secretary of State taking with allies to ensure technological advantage in key defence capabilities and get it to the frontline?

    Minister reply

    We are making a £4 billion investment this Parliament in drone technology as part of recognising the rapid advancement of warfare technology, reinforcing warfighting readiness of our forces within NATO.

  • Mark Pritchard Con The Wrekin

    Question

    Can the Secretary of State confirm that personal and personnel data in Operation Orbital is safe? What thought has been given to using RAF’s Tucano aircraft or a variant of Grob turboprop trainer for counter-drone operations?

    Minister reply

    Data relating to those personnel are secure. The programme was established well before Putin's invasion, training over 56,000 Ukrainian forces since then. I will look into the use of Tucano aircraft and write to the right hon. Gentleman.

  • John Lamont Con Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk

    Question

    Will the Secretary of State join me in paying tribute to local Rotary club groups that have been actively involved in supporting Ukraine?

    Minister reply

    I certainly pay tribute to the hon. Gentleman’s local Rotary club and other local groups which reflect the public will to offer support to Ukraine. If those groups need specific support, I would encourage him to contact me with details.

  • Alex Sobel Lab Co-op Leeds Central and Headingley

    Question

    What lessons is the Ministry of Defence and UK defence industry learning from Ukraine’s innovation in defence?

    Minister reply

    The Ministry of Defence is pulling lessons from Ukraine, and I will send the hon. Friend a personal copy of the strategic defence review.

  • Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth

    Question

    How does the prospect of UK deploying armed forces to Ukraine after a ceasefire incentivise the Kremlin to sue for peace?

    Minister reply

    The coalition of the willing sends a signal that a large number of democratic countries are committed to standing with Ukraine in its fight against Putin’s invasion and in securing a long-lasting, just settlement.

  • Melanie Ward Lab Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy

    Question

    Does the Minister agree that Russia’s growing aggression undermines our security at home? Can he update us on measures to counter Russian aggression?

    Minister reply

    My hon. Friend is correct, and there is a recognition across the UK of strong support for Ukraine three and a half years into this war.

  • John Cooper Con Dumfries and Galloway

    Question

    Can the Secretary of State give us a clue on how many members of the coalition of the willing are prepared to put combat aircraft into this plan?

    Minister reply

    These are serious military plans designed for ceasefire circumstances, involving more than 200 military planners from over 30 nations who have worked over four months on the detail of the military planning.

  • Johanna Baxter Lab Paisley and Renfrewshire South

    Question

    Does my right hon. Friend agree that Ukraine’s children have no place on the battlefield in this war? Can he say more about the work being done to hold accountable those responsible for militarisation of Ukrainian children?

    Minister reply

    I pay tribute to my hon. Friend and her ceaseless work to draw public attention to the plight of abducted Ukrainian children, reinforcing steps we can take to address this abuse.

  • Robbie Moore Con Keighley and Ilkley

    Question

    Will the Secretary of State join me in paying tribute to organisations like Keighley Cougars? What more could be done to ensure other nations are playing their part in supporting Ukraine?

    Minister reply

    I pay tribute to members of the Keighley Cougars delivering sports equipment, and I see it as typical of Yorkshire’s generosity. Through co-chairing the Ukrainian defence contact group, we lead by developing a coalition of willing nations.

  • John Slinger Lab Rugby

    Question

    Will the Defence Secretary join me in welcoming the new drive from President Trump and NATO to ensure Ukraine is in the best possible position both to defend itself and negotiate?

    Minister reply

    We have backed President Trump’s bid to secure a negotiated peace, reinforcing his efforts to put pressure on Putin now.

  • Phil Brickell Lab Bolton West

    Question

    May I welcome Monday’s joint chairing of the Ukrainian Defence Contact Group by the Defence Secretary and congratulate the Government on today’s landmark bilateral treaty between the UK and Germany?

    Minister reply

    The Minister welcomed these efforts, reflecting the determination to stand up to Putin’s aggression and commitment to Ukraine.

  • Name

    Question

    What is the legal basis of the new treaty?

    Minister reply

    The new treaty is based on mutual commitments and follows international law, ensuring a strong foundation for our defence cooperation with Germany.

Shadow Comment

James Cartlidge

The shadow Secretary of State acknowledges the ongoing Russian aggression and condemns President Putin's callous disregard for human life. While supporting decisive assistance to Ukraine, he questions whether all allies are playing their part in providing fighter jets for the Multinational Force Ukraine. He queries if there is planning for a land combat element within this force. Concerning military hardware procurement from the US and potential sanctions on countries importing Russian oil and gas, Mr Cartlidge seeks clarification on UK’s involvement. He also urges the Government to push Germany for provision of Taurus missiles to Ukraine or consider using compatible Typhoon systems to backfill UK stocks. Addressing domestic concerns, he inquires about the distinction between a German mutual aid agreement and NATO Article 5. Following recent threats to RAF bases and overflights linked with nefarious Russian activity, he seeks updates on the review of security at UK military bases.

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