During his second visit to Kyiv, Lammy is set to announce a new aid package totaling £55 million to support Ukraine.
“Welcome, head of British diplomacy, David Lammy, to Ukraine. We will discuss further cooperation and joint projects aimed at enhancing Ukraine’s security. I am grateful that the UK is always with us in these difficult times,” General Valeriy Zaluzhny, former commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and current ambassador to London, said in a Telegram message.
The aid package, detailed on the British government’s website, comprises several initiatives:
- Food aid to Syria: £3 million will fund deliveries of Ukrainian grain and other food products to Syria, contrasting sharply with Russian grain shipments to Bashar Assad’s regime that have burdened the country with expensive debt.
- Energy sector support: A further £17 million is earmarked for innovative energy projects to aid the rebuilding and sustainable development of Ukraine’s energy system. A Downing Street statement highlighted that clean, reliable, and affordable energy is crucial to Ukraine’s fight for freedom and its defense against Russian efforts to weaponize energy.
- Economic revival program: As part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s 100‑year Partnership with Ukraine, £10 million will be allocated to a new economic revival initiative designed to help rebuild and reform the Ukrainian economy.
- Social systems enhancement: An additional £25 million will bolster Ukraine’s social services, targeting the improvement of family-oriented and community support for women, children, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups.
Lammy is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, and Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna during his visit. The discussions will focus on reinforcing London’s ongoing support for Ukraine and exploring ways for the UK and its partners to further strengthen Ukraine’s international standing.
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Source: IAR, PAP