On 24th February the world marked the second anniversary of Vladimir Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine. This autocrat’s disregard for human life is not only clear to see across his country’s western border, but in his own country as well, following the death of the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
Navalny died as he had lived: with the Russian regime visibly threatened by the prospect of freedom for its people.
We know that Putin, if successful, would not stop at Ukraine. Such a scenario would not only have unspeakable effects on the people of Ukraine, but also a clear threat to our own security in this country.
The UK needs to be at the forefront of ensuring that all NATO members join this country in paying the minimum of 2 per cent of GDP on defence to help ensure our security in the face of aggression. I welcome assurances I received in Parliament from the Europe Minister that Britain will continue to make this point to our allies.
Indeed, our country’s support for Ukraine is long-standing. The UK-based training programme has trained over 52,000 Ukrainian troops since 2014, with a commitment to train a further 10,000 troops by mid-2024.
Two years ago the UK was the first country to send tanks, minehunter ships and long-range missiles to Ukraine, and the Government encouraged American and European allies to do the same.
Britain has donated a squadron of Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks, two minehunter ships and Storm Shadow cruise missiles to assist Ukraine in defending itself.
UK support over the last two years has included 20 AS90 self-propelled 155mm battle-ready guns and over 10,800 anti-tank missiles.
As part of my work on the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee last week I met Polish officials in Warsaw, including the country’s Deputy Foreign Minister.
It was clear that Poland considers Britain the main European supporter of not only their nation and Ukraine, but the rest of the former Soviet sphere too.
The UK is playing a leading role in terms of security, personnel and diplomacy.
I had the privilege of meeting UK military commanders and paid tribute in Parliament the following day to their vital work supporting Britain’s allies such as Ukraine and Poland.
Given Russian air incursions I was grateful for confirmation from the Defence Secretary over Britain’s commitment to NATO air defences.
In Parliament I was clear that this must be our nation’s course of action: not only to defend Ukraine in the face of aggression from Russia, but to ensure that democracy in this country and throughout the continent is strengthened.
Let us continue to give Ukraine the tools so they can finish the job.
Henry Smith MP
