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Ukraine: Non-recognition of Russian-occupied Territories
29 January 2026
Lead MP
Alex Sobel
Leeds Central and Headingley
Lab/Co-op
Responding Minister
Stephen Doughty
Tags
Ukraine
Word Count: 13804
Other Contributors: 17
At a Glance
Alex Sobel raised concerns about ukraine: non-recognition of russian-occupied territories in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Maintain non-recognition policies to protect territorial integrity and prevent Russian expansionism. Address human rights violations by condemning Russification efforts and protecting Ukrainian children from abduction and false adoption in Russia.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine 1,435 days ago. Since Russia’s invasion of Crimea in 2014, the principle of non-recognition has been paramount to protect international law and prevent dangerous precedents for other states wishing to change borders through military aggression. The occupied territories are some of the least free places in the world with over 100,000 civilians killed as of January 2026.
Alex Sobel
Lab
Leeds North West
Acknowledged the unanimity in the debate and thanked various MPs for their contributions on historical parallels, military aid, religious freedom, and NATO support.
Nia Griffith
Lab
Llanelli
The MP expresses support for the lead MP's work on Ukraine and condemns Putin’s invasion of Ukrainian territory, emphasizing the importance of non-recognition to uphold international peace principles.
Southend West and Leigh
Emphasised Ukraine's resolve against Russian aggression, highlighting the legal stance that territory cannot be acquired by force. Described the humanitarian situation in Mariupol, with up to 90% of buildings damaged or destroyed, and residents facing surveillance without access to basic services.
West Dorset
Emphasised the importance of supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and resisting Russian aggression, calling for action on frozen Russian assets in the UK.
Jim Shannon
SDLP
Strangford
Expressed outrage at Russian aggression in Ukraine, including war crimes and destruction of religious sites. Emphasised the need to use frozen Russian assets for reconstruction and to reject any legal recognition of Russian annexations. Asked about accountability for those who have committed atrocities in Ukraine.
Johanna Baxter
Lab
Paisley and Renfrewshire South
1.6 million Ukrainian children are subject to militarisation and indoctrination, while thousands have been abducted from their homes. Save Ukraine warned that Russia has created a ‘legal cage’ to permanently entrap these children.
Newton Abbot
The hon. Member initiated an important debate on the scope and scale of atrocities in occupied areas, as well as throughout Ukraine. He agrees that when peace arrives, it will take time for Ukraine to become safe due to unexploded ordnance, atrocities, and recovery needs.
Andrew Snowden
Con
Fylde
Emphasised the importance of addressing misinformation and supporting Ukraine, condemning territorial concessions to Russia.
Phil Brickell
Lab
Bolton West
Ukrainian language education has been banned, cultural heritage sites have been destroyed, and children have been transferred to Russia under the guise of evacuation. These acts demonstrate an attempt to erase Ukrainian identity.
Honiton and Sidmouth
The MP discusses the illegitimacy of Russia’s occupation attempts, referencing historical precedents and highlighting coercive measures such as statelessness decrees and education controls in occupied territories.
Chingford and Woodford Green
In Alchevsk, there are currently 100,000 people without heating or any form of support due to Russian incompetence. This shows the lack of care Russia has for individuals in areas it claims as its own.
Maldon
Congratulated Alex Sobel on his work and mentioned Johanna Baxter's Order of Merit, highlighting the breach of international law by Russia with the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Discussed parallels with the 1930s, emphasizing that giving concessions to Putin would be detrimental and highlighted Ukraine's defensive capability increase due to secret rearmament assistance.
Stephen Doughty
Lab
Cardiff South and Penarth
Discussed the coalition of the willing, security guarantees, military support to Ukraine, and international condemnation of Russia's actions.
Torbay
Asked the Minister about the strategy to tackle the Russian shadow fleet and how it will put pressure on Russia.
Tim Roca
Lab
Macclesfield
Concerned about suggestions that Ukraine may have to give up territory in the Donbas for peace, citing historical precedents and urging robust support from allies.
Tom Hayes
Lab
Bournemouth East
Acknowledged Russia's invasion as an attack on democracy and freedom, stressing that Ukrainian spirit remains unbroken. Advocated for the territorial integrity of Ukraine and warned against recognising Russian occupation legally or politically.
Government Response
Stephen Doughty
The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Government Response
Discussed his recent visit to the Baltic states, emphasised the historical importance of recognising Russian-occupied territories as temporarily occupied, highlighted the brutality of attacks on Ukraine including civilian targets, and outlined additional support for humanitarian concerns including £20 million for energy security and resilience.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.