Ukraine Diplomacy 2025-05-13
2025-05-13
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK has committed to supporting Ukraine but there is ongoing debate over the seizing of billions in frozen Russian assets held in UK banks. The questioner raises concerns about delays in taking action, which could result in lost opportunities for asset utilization.
What diplomatic steps his Department is taking to support Ukraine? If that is the case, why do the Government continue to prevaricate over seizing billions of pounds in frozen assets held in UK banks, which could be used to build Ukraine defenses? The longer we delay, the more likely it is that those funds will become wrapped up in other negotiations and we will lose the chance altogether.
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for raising the issue, but it is not an issue on which the Government should act unilaterally. It is a multilateral issue on which we should act with our G7 partners and our European partners, recognising that some partners in Europe are hugely exposed. The best way in which to move forward is to pool those assets, and discussions on that are ongoing.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific request for unilateral action was not addressed; instead, the response emphasizes multilateral action with European partners.
Multilateralism
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The Yale University humanitarian research lab was doing incredible work in tracking the 19,546 Ukrainian children who have been stolen by Russia. The work of this lab was preserved following international outrage and given a reprieve for six weeks ending on May 8th.
Can my right hon. Friend reassure the House that the data collected by the university has been secured and transferred to Europol, or that its funding is secure for the longer term?
I thank my hon. Friend for continually raising this matter. We are an active member of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, and we fund the Bring Kids Back UA and Save Ukraine campaigns. We have raised this issue internationally, and I am proud to have worked on it with Mrs Zelensky. I will write to the hon. Lady as soon as I can to update her on the funding.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy