Ukrainian Resistance to Russian Aggression 2022-07-18

2022-07-18

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Context
Multiple reports indicate Ukrainian resistance and partisan activity in areas under Russian control. Russia has deported 2.5 million people from Ukraine through filtration camps.
What assessment has the Department made of the effectiveness of Ukrainian resistance to Russian aggression?
There have been multiple reports of Ukrainian resistance and partisan activity in areas under Russian control, particularly in the south of the country. This has likely forced Russia to dedicate additional security personnel to areas it has occupied. Russia has deported 2.5 million people from Ukraine to Russia through filtration camps, and it has also likely detained and interrogated thousands of Ukrainians to try to quell the resistance. Such action will not deter Ukraine, and it will not deter the United Kingdom from continuing to support Ukraine in her fight.
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Q2 Direct Answer
Context
The Prime Minister offered to train up to 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers in the UK. The first cohort arrived earlier this month.
How does the Defence Secretary assess the success of this programme so far, and how does he see it evolving over the summer?
I am not sure whether my hon. Friend has visited the sites, but I am delighted to have visited one of the sites twice. The first course completes this week, and it has been a learning experience for both sides. We will continue to invest in improving the course, and I am delighted that the international community has now joined us. The Dutch have declared that they will send people to support the training, and the New Zealanders were already here to help the Ukrainians on 105-mm artillery. We are talking with a number of other international partners about delivery.
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Q3 Direct Answer
Chris Bryant Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Context
Ukraine is transitioning from Soviet-era calibres to western weapons systems, necessitating training in different pieces of equipment.
Given the transition from Soviet-era calibres to western weapons systems, will we not have to start developing military equipment that can be used across all NATO countries?
Yes. One strength of NATO is its adherence to standards across all the nations in it. At the moment, Ukraine is transiting from using Soviet era calibres and so on to using western weapons systems, which is why it is important to help train Ukraine in their application; they are not one in, one out—they need to be used differently. Having helped establish the international donor co-ordination centre near Stuttgart, Britain has added training into that, so we co-ordinate that properly.
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Q4 Partial Answer
Mark Francois Con
Rayleigh and Wickford
Context
The Army has faced cuts, and some argue these should be reviewed or reversed due to increasing military threats.
Given the rate of casualties and the fact that the integrated review was published before the Russian invasion, does the Secretary of State agree that the 10,000 cut in the Army should not only be reviewed but completely reversed?
As we can see from our Conservative colleagues, defence spending is a key priority in the leadership race, and I recommend to all leadership candidates who are wanting votes from Conservative Members that they recognise its importance. The threat has changed and it warrants more spending on defence, because the world is more dangerous and anxious than it was—not only when we had the defence Command Paper but before Putin invaded.
Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not explicitly agree to review or reverse the cuts, instead emphasizing the importance of increased spending on defence.
Underlines The Importance Of Increasing Defence Spending
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Q5 Partial Answer
Context
The level of defence support to Ukraine needs to be maintained in terms of value and volume.
Will the Secretary of State give an undertaking that the level of defence support to Ukraine in the next six months will be as much as it was in the previous six months?
With all due respect to the hon. Gentleman, I will not categorise it in six-month blocks. As long as I am Defence Secretary, we will continue with the investment and the support to Ukraine, be it in hardware or software.
Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not give a specific undertaking for the next six months, instead stating ongoing commitment without specifying the timeframe.
Refrained From Committing To A Six-Month Block
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Q6 Partial Answer
Context
The situation in south and eastern Ukraine has worsened, with Russian Defence Minister Shoigu ordering an intensification of attacks. Winter approaches, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current support for Ukrainian armed forces.
I thank Mr Speaker. The Ministry of Defence has worked co-operatively on Ukraine despite any reshuffles. With winter approaching and intensified Russian attacks in south and eastern Ukraine, I ask to ensure that UK training for Ukrainian forces keeps pace with these developments and helps them through the winter.
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his constructive manner. We are learning as we go on the training, starting with a pledge to train 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers which may end up being 20,000 or more based on need. Our guided multiple launch rocket system is now active in Ukraine, delivering similar munitions that have had significant effects on Russian war capabilities. The key is to ensure Ukraine can withstand the summer and be prepared for winter.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about ensuring training keeps pace with current needs was not directly addressed with a concrete commitment or timeline.
Response accuracy