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War in Ukraine 2025-12-04
04 December 2025
Lead MP
Bernard Jenkin
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Ukraine
Other Contributors: 43
At a Glance
Bernard Jenkin raised concerns about war in ukraine 2025-12-04 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Russia-Ukraine war is an existential clash between competing visions of global security. It is not a regional territorial dispute but rather a conflict about the nature of society, with Putin and his regime viewing independent Ukraine as intolerable. The debate calls for condemnation of Russian atrocities, support for Ukrainian sovereignty, increased economic sanctions against Russia, accelerated military support for Ukraine, and release of frozen Russian assets to finance military spending in Ukraine.
Southend West and Leigh
Supports the notion that close cooperation with allies is vital not only for Ukraine but also for Europe's overall security, highlighting the need to counter Russian espionage and sabotage efforts.
Epsom and Ewell
Notes the severe deprivations faced by the Russian military in terms of equipment, citing instances where tanks from museums are being deployed. Emphasises that continued support for Ukraine, including sanctions against Russia, is essential to prevent a Russian victory.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Describes the US's ineffective approach to peace efforts with Russia under both Trump and Biden administrations. Criticises European resolve potentially crumbling, but highlights unity among leaders like Merz, Macron, and Prime Minister in opposing Russian aggression.
Alex Sobel
Lab/Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Acknowledges the long-standing conflict between Ukraine and Russia since 2014. Criticises Russia's underestimation of Ukrainian military capabilities and false intelligence on public support for invasion in Ukraine.
Name
Lab
Leeds Central
Welcomes the European Commission’s plans to use frozen Russian assets for a reparations loan to Ukraine. Urges the UK Government to seize sovereign Russian state assets and allocate them to support Ukraine's defence. Emphasises the need to address Russia's shadow fleet and third-party sanctions evasion.
Expresses frustration with the UK Government's reluctance to seize Russian assets for military aid despite their substantial value. Calls for clarity and a definitive approach to asset seizure and use of funds.
Alex Sobel
Lab
Brendon
Supports seizing Russian assets entirely and using the capital directly, not just interest income. Questions if the UK will participate in an EU reparations loan for Ukraine. Criticises lack of action against companies evading sanctions through third-party imports.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Argues for a balanced approach between supporting Ukraine and maintaining national interest. Acknowledges the resilience of Ukrainian armed forces but criticises extremes in debate, advocating for a strategic centre ground approach that steers clear from absolutism and appeasement.
Sharon Hodgson
Lab
Washington and Gateshead South
The hon. Member pays tribute to the bravery of Ukrainian children who have been subjected to state-sanctioned abductions by Russia. She welcomes new sanctions targeting those supporting Putin's attempts to indoctrinate Ukraine’s children but calls for the rights of children to be upheld in any peace agreement. The hon. Member also highlights the UK Government's promise to deliver £3 billion of military aid to Ukraine every year for as long as needed, stressing that this support must remain iron-clad.
Chingford and Woodford Green
The hon. Member recalls his personal connection with Ukraine through a Scottish charity called Siobhan’s Trust which helped people fleeing at the Polish border during the initial invasion. He emphasises that it is up to countries like the UK and US to ensure that invaded nations can rise again, reminding that Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons under assurances from the west only to be subsequently invaded by Putin. The hon. Member also highlights the importance of honouring obligations such as those under the Budapest memorandum.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Ukraine should not be written off despite challenges. The issue is about defending Ukraine's land, rights, and constitution, which state that the Russian-occupied territories belong to Ukraine. Handing over territory would only lead to further aggression by Putin, who sees Ukraine as part of Russia.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Emphasised that the current problem could be resolved with greater resolve in the Foreign Office and Treasury. Urged the will to seize frozen Russian assets, highlighting the failure of UK in dealing with Chelsea FC's sale and defining proper use of funds.
Nia Griffith
Lab
Llanelli
Welcomed continued support for Ukraine from UK Government but highlighted critical need for financial backing. Raised concerns about EU’s ability to issue guarantees backed by frozen Russian assets and contingency measures in case of funding gap. Critiqued the lack of sanctions on companies contributing to Iskander-M ballistic missile supply chain.
Inverness, Skye and West Ross
The UK should increase its defence spending to support Ukraine's resilience against Russia. The Prime Minister is being timid in his support for Ukraine and the Budget would have been a perfect time to announce substantial new contributions to Ukraine.
Tim Roca
Lab
Macclesfield
The US Administration’s strategy regarding Ukraine appears to be an illusion designed to protect Russian assets and shape a narrative where Ukraine's defeat is inevitable. European leaders must take unilateral steps to seize or repurpose Russian sovereign assets. The fate of these assets is not a technical financial matter but a strategic one, weakening Ukraine and emboldening Russia.
Alex Mayer
Lab
Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard
Agreed with the need for a peace dividend, emphasising that investment is required first before achieving long-term security in Europe. Referred to Latvia's foresight regarding Russian aggression.
Supported the idea of genuine security through substantial military commitment and warned about the British public's readiness for such commitments.
Epsom and Ewell
Provided statistics on civilian casualties, emphasised Ukraine's resilience in rebuilding after attacks, highlighted the issue of explosive ordnance contamination affecting farmers' livelihoods, and expressed concern about countries withdrawing from humanitarian conventions.
Helen Maguire
Con
Fermanagh and South Tyrone
Called on the Government to continue supporting Ukrainians and proposed a UK-Ukraine health collaboration. Emphasised the importance of seizing frozen Russian assets and using them for Ukraine's defence.
Llinos Medi
PC
Ynys Môn
Supported an independent review into Russian interference in Welsh democracy, citing a report that Russian actors sought to interfere in the 2019 general election through online amplification of leaked documents.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Stressed the importance of NATO and maintaining military presence on unoccupied Ukrainian territory for a security guarantee. Argued that America's commitment to European security is in doubt, urging Europeans to step up and maintain peace.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Acknowledged the high calibre of speeches given in the debate on Ukraine's security and international law.
Alex Sobel
Lab
Airedale
Mr. Sobel supported the need for strong actions on returning Ukrainian children abducted by Russia and prosecuting war criminals in international courts.
Al Pinkerton
LD
Surrey Heath
Dr Pinkerton acknowledged the efforts of MPs to raise awareness about the plight of Ukrainian children, mentioning a film screening event that highlighted personal stories of devastation faced by children during the conflict.
Rachel Gilmour
Lab
Harwich and North Essex
The Russian campaign abducts Ukrainian children for re-education, affecting up to 40,000. Britain has a history of standing against tyranny but could have acted faster during the war’s initial phase when Ukrainians were being killed in Russian shelling.
Al Pinkerton
Lib Dem
Surrey Heath
Vladimir Putin poses an existential threat to Ukraine and a significant challenge to European security. Since 2014, Russia's aggression has led to the death of over 14,000 civilians and injuries to more than 38,000 in Ukraine. The abduction of Ukrainian children is a vile human injustice; Trump’s original proposal was not peace but a geopolitical compromise rewarding Russian aggression.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
Cartlidge congratulated his co-signatories for securing the debate on supporting Ukraine. He highlighted the moral imperative to defend democratic values, criticised Russia's unprovoked invasion and stressed the importance of long-term support for Ukraine. He also questioned the Government about its plans to increase defence spending beyond NATO targets by 2027.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Leigh emphasised the need for economic pressure on Russia, noting the significant economic disparity between Russia and Western nations. He argued that targeting Russian assets is a key strategy to weaken their war efforts.
Rachel Gilmour
Con
Tiverton and Minehead
Gilmour spoke about the issue of child abduction by Russian forces, calling for targeted sanctions against those involved in such atrocities. She emphasised the moral imperative to hold perpetrators accountable.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Duncan Smith questioned whether Ukraine's decision to give up nuclear weapons influenced Russia's aggressive actions, referencing historical debates on the importance of maintaining a strong deterrent.
Nia Griffith
Lab
Llanelli
Griffith asked about security guarantees for Ukraine in any potential peace deal. She emphasised the need to ensure long-term stability and protection for Ukraine against future Russian aggression.
Tim Roca
Con
Macclesfield
Roca expressed concern that 2026 could be a critical year in the conflict, urging continued military support for Ukraine. He emphasised the importance of sustained assistance to prevent Russian advances.
Epsom and Ewell
Maguire highlighted the threat unexploded ordnance poses to civilians and agriculture in conflict zones, advocating for measures to address this issue. She stressed the need for comprehensive support, including humanitarian aid.
Al Carns
Emphasised the Government’s response to Putin's aggression, including sanctions against GRU and other actors behind Russian state-sponsored activity. Announced sweeping measures aimed at tightening international economic sanctions on Russia and unlocking assets to fund Ukraine’s defence.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
Contributed valuable points regarding the debate topic, emphasising the need for a united front in supporting Ukraine. Discussed the importance of NATO's role and unity among European nations.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Mentioned a useful saying about NATO’s role in ensuring that the US is kept involved, Ukraine remains central, and Europe stays focused. Highlighted the importance of diplomatic efforts led by the Government to ensure the 28-point peace plan's relevance.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Discussed the debate topic, emphasising the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its broader implications for Europe. Called for a more forceful narrative to explain threats to the UK population and highlighted the need for NATO unity.
Al Carns
Con
Hemel Hempstead
Responded to concerns about the Government’s approach to communicating threats, emphasising plans to change the narrative through relatable examples. Discussed the impact of war in Ukraine on global energy and food prices.
Sarah Owen
Lab
Warrington South
Discussed the issue of abducted children from Ukraine, highlighting Russian doctrine involving child abduction for re-education. Mentioned UK commitments to helping Ukrainian children return home through tracing mechanisms.
Duncan Smith raised the point about current discussions in the Bundestag and Germany's efforts to persuade Belgium regarding sanctions. He asked the Minister for support on this issue, suggesting it would significantly aid Ukraine if Belgium joined the scheme with Euroclear funds.
Al Carns
Con
Carns expressed his agreement that representatives from Germany going to Belgium to help unlock resources for Ukraine is positive. He discussed Russia's hybrid conflict tactics and emphasised the need to deter these threats, praising UK leadership in both military support and diplomatic efforts.
Julian Lewis
Con
Lewis proposed a firm commitment from the coalition of willing nations that any future attack on Ukraine would trigger immediate military response. He argued this was crucial for establishing credible security guarantees for Ukraine.
Bernard Jenkin
Ind
Jenkin highlighted the lack of awareness regarding the ongoing threats to President Zelensky and stressed that there needs to be a national conversation about defence, involving all parts of government, opposition, and politics. He praised the unity shown in the debate.
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