Contribution
They are having a very real effect on the economy of Russia. I would perhaps describe it by saying that this is a battle, yes, on the front line, but it is also becoming a battle of military-industrial complex. Our ability to supply is at stake, and we are in competition with Russia. The more we can do to damage the Russian economy, the stronger we become. But we cannot do that alone. We need to do it alongside our partners and allies, and that is the work that our Prime Minister is engaged in.
Indeed, sanctions have denied Russia access to at least $450 billion, equivalent to an estimated two years of funding for this horrendous war. Noble Lords of course know that we do not speculate on future designations to maximise their impact, but they should be in no doubt that this Government will continue to ratchet up measures as we pile pressure on the Kremlin to change course.
In recent months, Russia has intensified attacks against Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure. Russia has fired thousands of drones at Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, resulting in ever more civilian casualties. These strikes are having a devastating impact on communities enduring extreme hardship, compounding displacement, trauma and loss. Drones are being used to target humanitarian responders as well. A clearly marked UN convoy delivering humanitarian assistance to front-line communities was hit earlier this month. I am sure noble Lords will join me in paying tribute to the selfless humanitarian aid workers who continue to operate in high-risk environments, not just in Ukraine but in Gaza, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and elsewhere to reach those most in need, often under fire.
Several noble Lords asked specifically about women. The needs of women and girls have been embedded in our support for Ukraine, including funding for humanitarian aid, civil society and inclusion, sexual and reproductive health services and assistance to tackle gender-based violence. I thank the noble Lord, Lord Mott, for talking about children. UK funding delivered via partners is providing mental health and psychosocial support to Ukrainian rehabilitation professionals, the burns unit in Kyiv, Ukrainian Red Cross staff and volunteers, and adults and children in front-line oblasts. The British Army is supporting the morale and resilience of Ukrainian troops through the delivery of combat mental resilience practitioner training, and we will train 180 Ukrainian soldiers this year.
As winter begins to bite, Russia is stepping up its attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure once again. Russia’s aim is to plunge Ukrainians into cold and darkness, and it carried out its largest-ever attack on Ukraine’s gas infrastructure earlier this month. This threatens to deepen the humanitarian crisis for millions of people now facing a bitter winter without heat, electricity or access to basic services. That is why the Foreign Secretary announced £142 million in aid during her visit to Kyiv last month to support Ukraine through the winter and into next year. That includes £42 million for vital repairs to the electricity transmission network and critical protection for gas and power infrastructure as temperatures plunge, as well as £100 million in vital support for humanitarian assistance to get emergency relief to communities on the front line, a clear commitment that we stand with our Ukrainian friends in the face of Russia’s intensified attacks.
My noble friend Lord Coaker made an inspiring speech at the beginning of this debate and set out details of our military support as we continue to work with our Ukrainian partners to ensure that they have what they need to stay in the fight. In addition, the UK has been the leading bilateral donor since the start of the full-scale invasion, with a commitment of up to £1.2 billion to fund humanitarian assistance, energy resilience, stabilisation and reform, recovery and reconstruction. UK funding continues to provide urgent assistance to front-line communities to protect the most vulnerable. We are supporting efforts to bolster the rule of law, pursue justice and fight corruption. We are bolstering the growth and resilience of Ukraine’s economy, and we are helping Ukrainians to revitalise community services as they build more efficient and inclusive systems of social protection.
I conclude this debate by echoing the words of the Deputy Prime Minister at the United Nations General Assembly in New York just a few weeks ago:
“We must all strive for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, which maintains the integrity of our UN Charter and sees Ukraine emerge from Russia’s brutal war as a sovereign, secure and independent nation”.
As we speak, he said:
“President Putin rains down ever more drones and missiles on the Ukrainian people”,
yet President Zelensky continues to affirm his commitment to peace at every turn, and the Ukrainian people continue to demonstrate their resilience and determination to resist Russia’s aggression. As the Deputy Prime Minister said, our message to our Ukrainian friends is clear:
“We will stand with you today, tomorrow, and one hundred years from now”,
as we sustain the UK’s unwavering support for our shared future for decades to come.