Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Russian Attacks on Civilian Infrastructure

04 June 2026 · 17 other contributors

Opened by Seema Malhotra Labour (Co-op) Feltham and Heston

Ukraine

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Seema Malhotra raised concerns about russian attacks on civilian infrastructure in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The minister condemned Russia's escalating attacks on Ukraine, noting over 7,100 drones fired in May.
  • The UK has committed 21.8 billion in aid to Ukraine, including 13 billion for military support.
  • The UK is providing at least 120,000 drones and accelerating air defence system deliveries to Ukraine.

How the debate unfolded

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

Government Statement

Seema Malhotra

The minister condemned the ongoing attacks by Russia on Ukraine, which have escalated to an unprecedented level with over 7,100 drones fired in May alone. The UK has committed £21.8 billion towards military, economic, and humanitarian aid for Ukraine, including £13 billion specifically for military support. This includes providing at least 120,000 drones this year to bolster Ukrainian defences and accelerating the delivery of air defence systems. She also announced that the Defence Secretary will chair a meeting of the 50-nation-strong Ukraine Defence Contact Group later in May. The minister reiterated the UK's support for Ukraine and called on Russia to end its illegal war, while continuing to work with international partners to strengthen economic sanctions against Russia.

Other contributors (17)
  • John Whittingdale Con Maldon

    Question

    The MP criticised the government for its response to recent attacks by Russia on Ukrainian cities. He asked what measures will be taken to boost Ukraine’s air defences, specifically regarding Patriot anti-missile systems, and whether records are being kept of Russian war crimes with plans to prosecute them through a special tribunal. The MP also inquired about using frozen Russian assets for reconstruction costs and formally designating Russia as a terrorist state.

    Minister reply

    The minister acknowledged the unacceptable nature of recent attacks by Russia on Ukraine and Romania, stating that such actions underscore Russia's lack of commitment to peace. She confirmed ongoing work with international allies to provide military support while strengthening sanctions against Russia.

  • Clive Efford Lab Eltham

    Question

    The MP highlighted the importance of not appeasing dictators and called for increased pressure on Russia through stricter sanctions, emphasising that it is difficult for Russia to sustain its war effort under such constraints.

    Minister reply

    The minister thanked her hon. Friend for his support and outlined recent measures including a new maritime services ban restricting Russian access to UK shipping and insurance services, further restrictions on oil imports, and the freezing of Russian uranium transactions. She reaffirmed commitment to continuing this pressure.

  • Priti Patel Con Witham

    Question

    The MP expressed strong condemnation of Russia’s attacks on Ukraine and Romania and questioned whether recent loosening of sanctions on Russian oil and gas was acceptable. She asked about the UK's response to Russia’s drone attack on Romania, support for Romanian defence, measures against Russian shadow fleets in UK waters, and readiness of RAF and Royal Navy to handle Russian proxies.

    Minister reply

    The minister disagreed with the characterisation by the right hon. Lady but acknowledged ongoing efforts on sanctions, including new cryptocurrency exchanges sanctioned along with entities linked to Russia's A7 network. She emphasised commitment to working with international partners for Ukraine’s defence and economic pressure against Russia.

  • John Slinger

    Question

    I want to bring the voice of a Ukrainian who messaged me earlier today about Russia’s attacks on civilian infrastructure, including the impact on children. I ask the Minister and other hon. Members to reflect on that.

    Minister reply

    The MP's comments are devastating; they highlight the impacts of war on civilians, particularly children. The House must continue to work for an unconditional ceasefire, as Russia disregards international law and the sovereignty of its neighbours.

  • Paul Kohler

    Question

    Will the Government stop prevaricating and show leadership by transferring frozen Russian assets held in the UK to Ukraine? Will they ban UK maritime services from supporting Russian fuel exports?

    Minister reply

    We are increasing sanctions, working closely with international partners towards an unconditional ceasefire. The Prime Minister prioritises these efforts and works actively with close partners on a shared plan for peace.

  • Terry Jermy

    Question

    Are existing sanctions under constant review? What more can be done to stop funds going to Russia?

    Minister reply

    Sanctions are constantly reviewed. We stand united with Ukraine and allies, defending NATO territory and continuing pressure on Russia.

  • Mark Pritchard

    Question

    Would the Minister join me in congratulating Hungary for lifting its veto on the European peace facility? How tough is our resolve against probing of NATO?

    Minister reply

    The Prime Minister and I condemn Putin’s illegal invasion. We are committed to supporting Ukraine, including through financial support and dialogue with allies.

  • Phil Brickell

    Question

    Can the Minister join me in condemning comments by a Reform UK candidate who said Russia was within its rights to annex Crimea?

    Minister reply

    I condemn such apologism for Putin. Sanctions are having an effect on Russia’s economic growth, and we must keep ratcheting up pressure.

  • Bernard Jenkin

    Question

    How is the Government preparing to face Russian escalation? What are our plans to deter further aggression?

    Minister reply

    Russia's battlefield failures may lead to increased air raids. We must continue dialogue with Ukraine and summon the Russian ambassador when necessary.

  • Chris Webb

    Question

    Will the Minister give an update on progress regarding using seized assets from Russia to support Ukraine?

    Minister reply

    The Secretary of State will chair a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group. We must continue military and economic pressure through sanctions.

  • Kirsty Blackman SNP Aberdeen North

    Question

    The SNP continues to support the military assistance provided by the UK and pushes for further sanctions on Russia. The MP asks what steps the UK is taking with allies to protect evidence of war crimes in order that prosecutions can be brought in the future.

    Minister reply

    Seema Malhotra assures that work is ongoing, but she will ensure engagement with the hon. Lady to provide a full answer.

  • John Glen Con Salisbury

    Question

    The MP refers to the Salisbury attack involving Novichok and pays tribute to Sir Alex Younger for his work in understanding Russian covert networks globally. The question is about continued investment in sophisticated surveillance of Russian assets across the globe.

    Minister reply

    Seema Malhotra reassures that continued investment will take place, recognising Russia as the most acute threat to UK national security through strategic defence reviews and national security strategy.

  • Tom Gordon

    Question

    The latest attacks by Russia should be condemned. The MP asks what steps the Government will take with their international allies to ensure that normalisation and rehabilitation of Russia’s image is not allowed while war crimes continue.

    Minister reply

    Seema Malhotra responds that all measures are being taken to keep pressure on Russia through economic sanctions, sending a message about its unacceptable behaviour.

  • Desmond Swayne Con New Forest West

    Question

    Given constant cyber-attacks on UK infrastructure by Russia, the MP asks for reassurance that any such attack will be met with appropriate response.

    Minister reply

    Seema Malhotra assures that the focus is on upgrading defence and security systems to detect and deter potential risks, defending the country's infrastructure.

  • Claire Young

    Question

    The MP raises concerns about UK maritime services bankrolling Putin’s war through fossil fuel exports. She asks what will be done to ensure sanctions are not just a paper tiger.

    Minister reply

    Seema Malhotra outlines the impact of sanctions, noting over 3,300 individuals, entities and ships sanctioned since the full-scale invasion in 2022, including sanctioning of over 30 Russian banks.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    The MP thanks all hon. Members for support towards Ukraine and asks how further obligations to the rule of law can be met to end the war while ensuring that Ukraine still exists.

    Minister reply

    Seema Malhotra states that a ceasefire, withdrawal of Russia from Ukraine remains focus, noting impact of sanctions on Russian oil and gas revenues.

Shadow Comment

John Whittingdale

The shadow Foreign Secretary criticised the lack of concrete action in response to recent aerial attacks by Russia which left 22 dead and 130 injured. He questioned the government's plans to bolster Ukraine’s air defences, particularly through the supply of Patriot anti-missile systems. He also asked if records were being kept for war crimes committed by Russia and whether a special tribunal would be established to prosecute them. Additionally, he sought confirmation on using frozen Russian assets to fund reconstruction efforts in Ukraine and questioned if Russia should be formally designated as a terrorist state.

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