Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Support for Ukraine’s Military

Monday 13 June 2022 · 8 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK has committed 1.3 billion for military operations and aid to Ukraine, including lethal and non-lethal aid.
  • The UK has sent over 200,000 pieces of non-lethal aid including body armour and medical equipment to Ukraine.
  • Discussions have occurred regarding the provision of air support and training requirements for Ukrainian forces.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jason McCartney Con
Ukraine Defence
Context

UK's commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian forces.

Question

What support his Department is providing to Ukraine's military?

Answer from Ben Wallace

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.

Answered
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Q2 Nicola Richards
Ukraine
Context

A constituent of Nicola's met a young member of the European Solidarity party in Ukraine who shared stories about frontline conditions.

Question

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?

Answer from Ben Wallace

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.

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Q3 Stephen Hammond Con
Ukraine
Context

Ukrainian officials have asked for more military hardware and specifically mentioned the need for air support.

Question

Could I ask him what consideration he has given to or discussions he has had with allies about providing air capability?

Answer from Ben Wallace

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specifics on discussions and decisions about providing air capability were not fully addressed.

How: Discussions Ongoing

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Q4 Jason McCartney Con
Ukraine
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Ben Wallace

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.

Answered
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Q5 Martyn Day SNP
NHS Ukraine Defence
Context

Potential for medical infrastructure collapse and cholera outbreak in Mariupol.

Question

What discussions has the Secretary of State had with colleagues across Government to explore urgent medical relief that could be deployed by the MOD?

Answer from Ben Wallace

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions by the MOD other than airlifts were not detailed.

How: Mod Cannot Directly Intervene

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Q6 Tonia Antoniazzi Lab Gower
Ukraine
Context

Depot in Dnipro storing non-lethal supplies, including medicine donations from constituents of Gower.

Question

Will the Secretary of State meet me and Never Surrender to discuss how we can arrange this?

Answer from Ben Wallace

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific logistics discussion details were not provided.

How: Suggestion For Ministerial Meeting

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Q7 Stuart McDonald SNP
Ukraine
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Ben Wallace

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific discussions and concrete actions on training opportunities were not detailed

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Q8 Tobias Ellwood Con
Ukraine
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Ben Wallace

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specifics of leading a coalition were not addressed; the difficulty was highlighted instead

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