Putin’s unprovoked and premediated attack on Ukraine is barbaric. It has been devastating to see the images emerging over the last few weeks of the disruption, violence and chaos that engulfs Ukraine and its people. Putin must fail and I am assured that the UK Government, standing alongside our friends in Ukraine and allies around the world, will ensure he does.
I commend the leadership shown by the Prime Minister in encouraging the world to support Ukraine, such as with defensive military aid, and isolate Russia for its illegal invasion, including through the imposition of sanctions aimed at crippling its economy and war machine. In lockstep with allies around the world, the UK has:
- Passed new urgent legislation – the Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act – giving Government new powers to crack down on corrupt elites in the UK.
- Sanctioned President Putin and over 1000 individuals and entities with a close connection to his wicked regime including Roman Abramovich
- Sanctioned Russia's Central Bank, banned the Russian State and all Russian companies from raising funds in the UK, and frozen the assets of all Russian banks.
- Shut off Russian banks' access to the global financial system by blocking access to SWIFT The UK will be phasing out all imports of Russian oil and oil products by the end of 2022, cutting off a key source of funding for Putin’s war-chest in a manner that ensures UK businesses and consumers are not affected.
- Russia's national airline (Aeroflot) has been banned from UK airspace.
Our support goes further. In addition to hampering the Russian energy, aerospace and shipping industries, the UK Government is committed to helping Ukrainians on the ground by providing defence support to the Ukrainian Military. We were the first to donate lethal aid to the Ukrainian defence forces and we are the largest bilateral aid donor, in addition to providing 2,000 light, anti-armour weapons for defensive use against Russian tanks. This is in addition to a small number of UK personnel who provided initial training to Ukrainian military personnel.
My colleagues in Government are encouraging those who want to host a Ukrainian family, to do so. Michael Gove, Levelling Up Secretary, announced on the 14th of March the “Homes for Ukraine” scheme. Sponsors will be offered £350 a month to house Ukrainian refugees for one year as part of the Government’s two option plan to welcome Ukrainian refugees. I understand from the Minister that in order to register your interest you must fill in form:
https://homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk/
The matching system (to link sponsors with refugees) will be announced in due course.
Someone is eligible for the scheme if they are a Ukrainian national, or the immediate family member of a Ukrainian national and were resident in Ukraine prior to 1st January 2022. As with the other visa schemes, Ukrainians will be able to live and work in the UK for up to three years with access to healthcare, benefits, employment support, education, and English language tuition.
This scheme has been launched in response to the incredible giving and charitable spirit of the people of Britain. We all share a sense of solidarity with the people of Ukraine and I am glad the Government has taken proactive steps to address the needs of Ukrainians.
I must stress that this situation remains fluid and as the situation on the ground continues to change, so too will the UK’s response. I am receiving daily briefs by the Ministry of Defence and the Foreign Office, and I will be sure to update you with any changes.