Ukraine Border Russian Forces 2021-04-20
2021-04-20
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Russian forces have increased at the border with Ukraine, raising concerns about peace and security in the region.
What recent assessment has been made of the effect of increases in numbers of Russian forces at the border with Ukraine on peace and security in that region?
We have significant concerns about the recent Russian military build-up of forces on Ukraine's border. We are working with our allies—I was at a NATO meeting of Foreign and Defence Ministers last week—and our objective is to deter Russia, reassure Ukraine and de-escalate the situation.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific assessment not provided
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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The UK, Russia, and USA signed a memorandum in 1994 which issued assurances that these countries would respect Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and existing borders.
In 1994, the UK, Russia, and the United States of America signed the Budapest Memorandum, issuing not guarantees but assurances. Kiev surrendered 1,900 strategic nuclear warheads in return for these assurances. Is it now incumbent on us to make clear that we will continue providing political, diplomatic, financial, scientific, and military support to Ukraine?
I thank the hon. Gentleman, who has long-standing experience of this issue; I agree with his level of concern. There are three things that we are doing right now that matter. The first is holding Russia to its international commitments, including not just the ones that he mentioned, but the OSCE principles of accountability for the build-up of troops. We will continue our robust approach to sanctions and provide diplomatic support; since 2015, through Operation Orbital, we have trained more than 20,000 Ukrainian armed forces personnel.
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Q3
Partial Answer
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The withdrawal from Afghanistan and the reduction in British Army troops have raised concerns about NATO's commitment to security.
I welcome the Foreign Secretary's words, but has his Department assessed how Russia perceives these military changes? What diplomatic actions can be taken given that some elements might seem weaker?
I thank the Chair of the Select Committee, but I am afraid that he is wrong. It is vital that we increase the defence and security budget in a groundbreaking way; it must be agile and fit for future challenges. In Brussels on 14 April, I spoke to US Defence Secretary and Secretary of State along with other NATO Ministers about condemning Russia's troop build-up, assuring Ukraine, and de-escalating the situation.
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Assessment & feedback
Diplomatic steps not detailed
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Q4
Partial Answer
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The UK remains a safe haven for Russian-linked sources and oligarchs despite the Intelligence and Security Committee's Russia report.
Russia has amassed 100,000 troops on Ukraine's border; Alexei Navalny lies deteriorating in prison. Yet the Conservative party has taken £1 million from Russian-linked sources since the Foreign Secretary received the Russia report. What accounts for the delay in implementing these recommendations?
I thank the hon. Lady, but I have to say that her attempt is a weak weave of partisan political considerations in a serious international issue. We have taken multiple actions against Russian threats; introduced new powers at UK ports for security checks; are introducing legislation for additional tools to tackle hostile state activity; and will introduce an extension of Magnitsky sanctions soon.
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Questioner's political motives
Political Points
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Q5
Partial Answer
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The Conservative party has received £1 million from Russian-linked sources since receiving the Intelligence and Security Committee's Russia report. There have been no actions on golden visas or powers to sanction corrupt officials.
We have had no action on golden visas, no sanctions against corrupt officials; half of laundered money from Russia goes through UK. The Conservative party has received £5 million since David Cameron became leader from a former Russian arms dealer who is 'untouchable' due to his Kremlin links. When will the 23 recommendations be implemented in full?
In relation to agent registration, the Home Secretary has already announced and proposed it. She is talking over me because she does not like my response; I galvanised international reaction against Putin when this Prime Minister was Foreign Secretary.
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Assessment & feedback
Implementation timeline
Campaigning
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