Support for Ukraine’s Military 2022-06-13
2022-06-13
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
UK's commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian forces.
What support his Department is providing to Ukraine's military?
The UK has committed £1.3 billion for military operations and aid to Ukraine, including lethal and non-lethal aid such as multiple launch rocket systems, body armour, range finders, medical equipment, and training.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
▸
Context
A constituent of Nicola's met a young member of the European Solidarity party in Ukraine who shared stories about frontline conditions.
Could my right hon. Friend spell out what steps his Department is taking to support all young people in the Ukrainian army during this terrible conflict?
The UK has sent over 200,000 pieces of non-lethal aid including body armour, range finders, and medical equipment. Training is also a priority to ensure proper survival chances on the frontline for young Ukrainian soldiers.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Ukrainian officials have asked for more military hardware and specifically mentioned the need for air support.
Could I ask him what consideration he has given to or discussions he has had with allies about providing air capability?
Discussions have occurred at donor conferences regarding provision of air support, focusing on potential from countries holding Soviet stock, such as MiG-29s and helicopters. Training requirements are also a significant consideration due to differences in aircraft types.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specifics on discussions and decisions about providing air capability were not fully addressed.
Discussions Ongoing
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Ukrainian community in Huddersfield and Colne Valley appreciates UK support, but there are concerns about the balance between new NATO artillery and existing Soviet systems.
How is he balancing the timescales of that with supplying the existing Soviet-era weaponry with the ammunition it needs for the fight today and this week?
MLRS and self-propelled 155s from donor countries are being sent to assist Ukraine in deep fires capability. Training alongside other countries is also provided, emphasizing the use of NATO ammunition rather than Soviet stock for sustainability.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Potential for medical infrastructure collapse and cholera outbreak in Mariupol.
What discussions has the Secretary of State had with colleagues across Government to explore urgent medical relief that could be deployed by the MOD?
Discussions include focusing on non-lethal aid and co-ordination of treatment for people outside Ukraine. The MOD uses its aircraft to transport medical supplies and patients where necessary, with ongoing discussions among Black sea colleagues for assistance in places like Mariupol.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions by the MOD other than airlifts were not detailed.
Mod Cannot Directly Intervene
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Depot in Dnipro storing non-lethal supplies, including medicine donations from constituents of Gower.
Will the Secretary of State meet me and Never Surrender to discuss how we can arrange this?
Agreeing to meet, mentioning gratitude for Never Surrender's work. Acknowledges challenges in delivering aid due to Russian targeting of medical support infrastructure. Proposes meeting with a Minister this week or next week given NATO meetings.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific logistics discussion details were not provided.
Suggestion For Ministerial Meeting
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question follows multiple instances where the Secretary of State mentioned challenges related to training Ukrainian forces on the use of equipment provided by NATO allies.
We support all the Government's efforts to arm Ukrainians with necessary equipment and weapons. The Secretary of State has noted that there is a challenge of training for this equipment. Can he provide more details about his discussions with colleagues and allies on maximizing opportunities for Ukrainian personnel to use the given equipment?
It is crucial that Ukrainians are trained in using the equipment provided by NATO countries; we do not just hand it over without proper training. The UK and other European partners aim to enhance training efforts, but specific details will be shared with the Front-Bench spokesman soon.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific discussions and concrete actions on training opportunities were not detailed
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question arises from concerns about Russia's potential expansion towards the port of Odesa, which could lead to a food crisis affecting Europe and beyond due to blocked grain exports.
If all NATO countries had supported Ukraine at Britain's scale, Russian forces might have been pushed out. However, with Russia consolidating in Donbas and potentially targeting Odesa, the port's capture would isolate Ukraine and exacerbate global food crises. Is it time for a UK-led coalition to establish a UN-approved humanitarian zone around Odesa and its territorial waters, policed by an international maritime force?
My right hon. Friend suggests securing the Black sea for grain export, but securing it under UN mandate is difficult due to Russian non-compliance on humanitarian corridors seen in Mariupol and elsewhere. The UK continues discussions with partners to explore options for getting grain out both overland and at sea.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specifics of leading a coalition were not addressed; the difficulty was highlighted instead
Response accuracy