Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has vowed the bond between Britain and Ukraine is “unbreakable and built to last”. Speaking as Kyiv marked the 35th anniversary of Ukrainian independence, he also praised the solidarity shown by the British people.
Standing alongside the Ukrainian people
Speaking to this newspaper, Mr Miliband issued a reminder that Ukrainians were fighting for the security not just of their own country, but for Europe. He said: “Tomorrow, as Ukraine marks the 35th anniversary of its independence, celebrating its sovereignty, identity and culture, the United Kingdom stands proudly alongside the Ukrainian people.
“This day serves as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary strength Ukrainians have shown in defending their country in the face of Russian attack. I pay tribute to their immense and enduring courage.
A bond that matters for European security
“Ukraine’s defence of its freedom and self-determination matters to us all because of the values they are fighting for and because of what this conflict means for our security in Europe. British people have time and again shown their solidarity with the people of Ukraine during this conflict.
“We will continue to help Ukraine strengthen its security, and work with international partners to ensure Russia faces accountability for its aggression. Our bond is unbreakable and built to last.”
Ceremonies and continued support
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting will attend a candle-lighting ceremony at the Ukrainian Cathedral of the Holy Family in London to mark the anniversary, where he will pay tribute to Ukraine's resolve, while the PM will co-chair a call of the Coalition of the Willing on Monday.
Earlier this week Andy Burnham warned Vladimir Putin that Britain will continue to “support Ukraine 100%” after Russia threatened the UK over drone strikes.
Mr Streeting said: "Thirty-five years ago, Ukrainians chose independence. Over more than a decade, Putin’s illegal and barbaric war has tried and failed to destroy Ukraine’s freedom and way of life.
“We stand proudly with Ukraine and our support will not waver. They are fighting for freedom everywhere, and we will stand by them until they win.”
It comes as the Ministry of Defence hosts a photographic exhibition and panel discussion at the National Army Museum, showcasing the UK's training effort for Ukraine's Armed Forces through Operation Interflex. Launched in June 2022, it has now trained more than 67,000 Ukrainian defenders. Selected images from the exhibition are expected to travel to Kyiv in October, marking Ukrainian Defenders Day.
