Category: Attack on Ukraine

  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2025 Daily Update (27 November 2025)

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2025 Daily Update (27 November 2025)

    The statement made by Vladimir Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 27 November 2025.

    I wish you health!

    Briefly about today. We are using this day, just as every day now, for consultations with partners. Every single day, we exchange information – all the data needed to determine the optimal steps. The Russian war continues, and we all hear that Russia scorns the efforts of key global powers to truly end the war – with a lasting peace. But whether there will be peace does not depend on Russia’s threats or on whatever ultimatums it voices. It depends on the conditions the world ensures so that this aggression cannot be continued, and on what we ourselves do to defend our state, our people, and our Ukrainian national rights. 

    Right now, our defense of positions, our resistance on the frontline, and our joint work with partners to secure better diplomatic standing are equally important. And everything is aligned toward this work. 

    Already this week – at the end of the week – our team, together with American representatives, will continue to translate the points we secured in Geneva into a form that puts us on the path to peace and security guarantees. There will be a meeting of delegations. The Ukrainian delegation will be well-prepared and focused on substantive work. We remain in close contact with the American side and our European friends. I am also briefing our partners in other parts of the world, and I am grateful to them for their support of our sovereignty and our state. In the meantime, we are doing everything possible to ensure that Ukraine has sufficient defense support.

    It is obvious to everyone in the world that Russia not only has the largest internationally recognized territory, but also the largest territory that is undeveloped and neglected. All of Russia exists for the sake of Moscow and St. Petersburg, and if everything else were to collapse, no one there would even notice. So when they want more kilometers of Ukrainian land, it is not about territory for them at all. It is about preserving their power forever – about subjugating a neighboring nation. And we have clearly seen that nothing can be expected from Russia except destruction. And we are not the only ones who have seen it – everyone in Europe has, and every one of Russia’s neighbors, from Finland to Kazakhstan and Japan. Accordingly, everyone understands what must be done for defense, and it is the Ukrainian defense of positions that is the key task for us and for all our partners. The stronger we are in our defense on the frontline, the more we can achieve in diplomacy, and the more actively the world will help us press Russia to end its war.

    Today, an important meeting of the sanctions coordinators of European states took place. And if Putin does not want to stop, the sanctions will not stop. The priorities are clear – to hit Russian oil, Russia’s technological base, its finances, and its assets that serve the Russian war machine. The world will help us.

    I thank everyone who is pressuring the aggressor now, and everyone who is defending Ukraine from pressure. We value this deeply, and we see every such effort. Next week, there will be important negotiations not only for our delegation, but also for me personally, and we are laying solid groundwork for those talks. Ukraine will stand firm. It always will. Thank you to everyone who helps us! Thank you to everyone who defends Ukraine as if defending themselves.

    Glory to Ukraine!

  • Keir Starmer – 2025 Statement on the Russian Drone Attack on Poland

    Keir Starmer – 2025 Statement on the Russian Drone Attack on Poland

    The statement made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 10 September 2025.

    This morning’s barbaric attack on Ukraine and the egregious and unprecedented violation of Polish and NATO airspace by Russian drones is deeply concerning.

    This was an extremely reckless move by Russia and only serves to remind us of President Putin’s blatant disregard for peace, and the constant bombardment innocent Ukrainians face every day.

    I have been in touch with the Polish Prime Minister this morning to make clear our support for Poland, and that we will stand firm in our support for Ukraine.

    My sincere thanks go to the NATO and Polish forces who rapidly responded to protect the Alliance.

    With our partners – and through our leadership of the Coalition of the Willing – we will continue to ramp up the pressure on Putin until there is a just and lasting peace.

    KEIR STARMER
    PRIME MINISTER OF THE UNITED KINGDOM

  • Keir Starmer – 2025 Statement on Russian Strikes on Kyiv

    Keir Starmer – 2025 Statement on Russian Strikes on Kyiv

    The statement made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 7 September 2025.

    I’m appalled by the latest brutal overnight assault on Kyiv and across Ukraine, which killed civilians and hit infrastructure. For the first time, the heart of Ukraine’s civilian government was damaged.

    These cowardly strikes show that Putin believes he can act with impunity. He is not serious about peace.

    Now, more than ever, we must stand firm in our support for Ukraine and its sovereignty.

  • Keir Starmer – 2025 Statement on Ukraine Following Putin/Trump Meeting

    Keir Starmer – 2025 Statement on Ukraine Following Putin/Trump Meeting

    The statement made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 16 August 2025.

    President Trump’s efforts have brought us closer than ever before to ending Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine. His leadership in pursuit of an end to the killing should be commended.

    While progress has been made, the next step must be further talks involving President Zelenskyy. The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without him.

    This morning, I spoke to President Zelenskyy, President Trump and other European partners, and we all stand ready to support this next phase.

    I welcome the openness of the United States, alongside Europe, to provide robust security guarantees to Ukraine as part of any deal. This is important progress and will be crucial in deterring Putin from coming back for more.

    In the meantime, until he stops his barbaric assault, we will keep tightening the screws on his war machine with even more sanctions, which have already had a punishing impact on the Russian economy and its people.

    Our unwavering support for Ukraine will continue as long as it takes.

  • David Lammy – 2025 Speech in Lviv on the Special Tribunal

    David Lammy – 2025 Speech in Lviv on the Special Tribunal

    The speech made by David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, in Lviv on 9 May 2025.

    It is a fitting time and place for this discussion.

    It is remarkable that eighty years ago, Allied governments were dealing with detained Nazis, and thinking about accountability for the atrocities.

    Some considered simple revenge.   But others favoured a different approach.

    Holding those criminals accountable under international law.

    Drawing in part on work by two great sons of this great city, Rafael Lemkin Sir Hersch Lauterpacht.

    The resulting Nuremberg trials were a milestone in building a global order rooted in the rule of law and human rights.

    Today, the pursuit of such a global order again seems a tall order.

    Russia is waging a war of aggression, with mounting evidence that Russian soldiers are committing atrocities we would have hoped to consign to history – attacks which rain down on civilians, the deportation of children, torture and sexual abuse of civilians and prisoners of war.

    Russian leaders show not the slightest concern for the lives of individuals or the laws of war.

    But we need to remember figures like Lemkin were not naïve idealists.  Indeed, Sir Hersch wrote about anchoring his philosophy of international law in the ‘realities of international life’.

    Precisely our task today.

    We have it in our hands to hold those responsible for the invasion of Ukraine to account.  The UK is proud to have supported the idea of a Special Tribunal since the outset.

    A Tribunal is an essential part of the armoury of justice, alongside the efforts of Ukrainian authorities to bring prosecutions inside Ukraine, and the work of the ICC.

    As the country where Sir Hersch made his home, we are proud to support the Lviv Joint Statement and endorse the legal foundations for this Tribunal.

    It will take time for a Tribunal to become operational. We support using the framework of the Council of Europe. But also believe we must expand the Core Group to more partners from beyond Europe.

    The whole world is outraged at Russian crimes. The whole world should now come together to hold Russia to account. We must rally all countries in support of justice.

    Our friends in Ukraine are staying true to the legacy of VE Day.

    The legacy of Lemkin and Sir Hersch.

    Thank you.

  • Keir Starmer – 2025 Comments at Press Conference in Kyiv

    Keir Starmer – 2025 Comments at Press Conference in Kyiv

    The comments made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, in Kyiv on 10 May 2025.

    Volodymyr, friends, it is a real pleasure to be here in Kyiv with you all. With Emmanuel, with Friedrich, and with Donald.

    This is Europe, stepping up, showing our solidarity with Ukraine, and also showing during this week when we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day that we understand the lessons of history.

    The lesson that any veteran of Normandy, of North Africa or any other campaign will tell you but that Putin has not yet grasped:

    There is no glory in aggression and conquest – glory comes from fighting for your country, defending your people, and winning the peace.

    And that is the message of this moment.

    Volodymyr, we stand with you to secure the just and lasting peace that Ukraine deserves.

    It’s almost two months now since you agreed to an immediate 30-day ceasefire. In that time Russia has launched some of the most deadly attacks on civilians of the entire war. Including here in Kyiv.

    Normal lives, homes, families destroyed.

    This is what Russia offers in place of peace along with delays and smokescreens – like the current 72 hour ceasefire.

    And so all of us here – together with the US – are calling Putin out.

    If he’s serious about peace then he has a chance to show it now – by extending the VE Day pause into a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire with negotiations to follow immediately, once a ceasefire is agreed.

    No more ifs and buts. No more conditions and delays. Putin didn’t need conditions when he wanted a ceasefire to have a parade. And he doesn’t need them now.

    Ukraine has shown their willingness to engage again and again. But again and again Putin has refused.

    So we are clear – all five leaders here, all the leaders of the meeting we just had with the Coalition of the Willing – an unconditional ceasefire rejecting Putin’s conditions. And clear that if he turns his back on peace, we will respond.

    Working with President Trump, with all our partners, we will ramp up sanctions and increase our military aid for Ukraine’s defence to pressure Russia back to the table.

    And that’s what we have been discussing today – as well as securing Ukraine’s future for the longer term.

    Convening the latest meeting of the Coalition of the Willing with partners joining virtually from around Europe and across the world – lining up to support Ukraine’s future strength and security, discussing operational plans and making concrete commitments of support across land, air and sea.

    We want to help Ukraine look to the future with confidence – so we’re working to boost Ukraine’s economy.

    And as a vital step, I’m pleased that UK experts have been on the ground leading work to support the resumption of flights into Ukraine, once a ceasefire is achieved.

    It will take time – but this will be a huge moment in reconnecting Ukraine’s economy, boosting investor confidence, and helping to reunite families separated by this war.

    Ukraine secure and thriving – that is what we all want to see.

    With our 100-year partnership, the Critical Minerals deal with the US, and our Coalition of the Willing, we are building the framework for peace in Ukraine to support a better future for the Ukrainian people.

    And to pledge once again, in our all interests, and on this anniversary, that aggression will never prevail on our continent.

    Thank you.

  • John Healey – 2025 Statement to the House of Commons on Ukraine

    John Healey – 2025 Statement to the House of Commons on Ukraine

    The statement made by John Healey, the Defence Secretary, in the House of Commons on 22 April 2025.

    Thank you Mr Speaker. Today, HMS Prince of Wales set sail from Portsmouth and I trust the whole House will join me in wishing the entire carrier strike group a safe and successful global deployment.

    Mr Speaker, I wish to make a statement on the ongoing war in Ukraine.

    Today, parliament returns from its Easter break.

    But during the last two weeks Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has continued. Drones strikes. Missile attacks. Fierce fighting on the frontline.

    On Palm Sunday, men, women and children in Sumy, on their way to church were hit by Putin’s deadliest attack on Ukrainian civilians so far this year, killing 35 people – including young children – and injuring over 100 more.

    We are united in condemnation at this brutal attack and Putin’s illegal actions.

    At this critical moment for Ukraine and for European security, we have stepped up the Government’s efforts for Ukraine and we will step up further, both to increase military support for the fight today and to secure peace for tomorrow.

    Mr Speaker, we cannot jeopardise the peace by forgetting about the war.

    So, ten days ago in Brussels, the UK convened and I co-chaired the 27th meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, alongside my good friend, the German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.

    51 nations and partners – from Europe from the Indo Pacific, from South America – came together at NATO HQ, including Ukrainian President Zelensky, US Defence Secretary Hegseth and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

    We came together to step up our support for Ukraine in the fight. Together we pledged a record 21 billion euros of military support to put Ukraine in strongest possible position and to increase pressure on Putin to negotiate.

    Mr Speaker this year, the UK is providing £4.5 billion in military support to Ukraine, more than ever before.

    And in Brussels, I announced £200 million of support will be surged to the front line, with supplies starting to reach Ukraine’s fighters within the next month including radar systems, anti-tank mines and hundreds of thousands of drones.

    I also announced £160 million worth to help the repair and maintenance essential battlefield vehicles and equipment.

    This support will strengthen Ukrainian troops in the close fight now and strengthen our industrial links with Ukraine to boost UK businesses.

    When President Trump talks about peace through strength, it’s the commitments made through this Contact Group that provide the strength to secure that peace.

    Despite President Putin’s promise of a 30-hour pause in fighting, I can confirm that Defence Intelligence have found, and I quote “no indication that a ceasefire on the frontline was observed over the Easter period”.

    And 10,000 missiles and drones have been fired into Ukraine during this year alone, including from the Black Sea.

    So, while Putin has said he declared an Easter truce – he broke it.

    While Putin says he wants peace – he rejected a full ceasefire.

    And while Putin says he wants to put an end to the fighting – he continues to play for time in negotiations.

    And the military, the Russian military continue to press on a number of fronts.

    Mr Speaker, I can confirm Russian military progress is slowing.

    Putin gained less territory in March then he did in February and less territory in February than he did in January.

    Ukrainian towns which Russia have been targeting since before Christmas have still not been captured.

    Ukrainian troops have still not been ejected from Russian territory in Kursk.

    Whatever ground Putin is taking comes at enormous human cost. Over 940,00 Russians have likely been killed or injured in the war so far – including over 150,000 killed and injured this year alone.

    Last month, the average daily casualty rate on the Russian side was 1,300 – almost double the rate of this time last year.

    While at home, Putin faces crippling interest rates at 21 per cent, inflation running at over 10 per cent and the Russian government is spending nearly 40 per cent of its total budget on this military campaign.

    I have to say Mr Speaker, in the days ahead, it is likely that Russia will keep up attacks on the Sumy oblast to help it fully reclaim nearby contested areas of Kursk.

    In central Donetsk oblast, Russia is targeting urban strongholds such as Toretsk, Povrosk and Chasiv Yar.

    And in Kharkiv, Russia is continuing to make assaults towards the rail and logistics hub of Kupiansk.

    We do expect more ground to be taken, and more Russian missiles fired into Ukraine.

    And that is why we must remain united for Ukraine across this House, across this country, and across those nations standing alongside Ukraine.

    And we will step up support for Ukraine and pressure on Putin to force him to recognise that now is the time for peace, and continuing the war will prove much worse in the long run for Russia.

  • Stephen Doughty – 2025 Speech at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum

    Stephen Doughty – 2025 Speech at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum

    The speech made by Stephen Doughty, the Minister for Europe, in Antalya on 12 April 2025.

    The principles are fundamental, and they are what is at stake here. And as Andrea said, this is not just a situation where we see a complete violation of those principles that were in the Helsinki Final Act, that we all stood by, and we have stood by for those 50 years. But it’s also the UN Charter that is fundamentally under threat by Russia’s aggression.

    And of course, this isn’t just the aggression we’ve seen against Ukraine. It’s the other hybrid and destabilizing activities that they prosecute across our continents against our democracies more generally, and whether that’s disruptions, attempted disruptions, in the Western Balkans or in Moldova or elsewhere.

    This has consequences for all of us, and this matters for everybody in this room. It matters for everybody in the room if those principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty are not abided by, and it matters deeply for all of our people. Most importantly for the people of Ukraine at the moment, but for all of us.

    I was in Kyiv just a few weeks ago, and I could hear in the background the alarm going off there. For Ukrainians in the room, this would probably be the air raid alarm on their on their phones, because Ukraine is seeing that escalation every night, civilians being attacked and killed.

    I was in Bucha, which saw some of the worst, appalling atrocities that we’ve seen since the start of this conflict, and seeing those mass graves and others, but also hearing about how just the night before, how drones have come and killed civilians, and how children and others have been taken away and still no idea where those where those young people and those civilians are. That is a brutal attack on the values that all of us in this room stand for. So I think we must absolutely recognize what’s at stake here.

    That’s why we as the UK are 100% ironclad in our support behind Ukraine, not just for now, but for 100 years into the future. It’s why we’re working with our NATO partners and allies here. And it’s a genuine pleasure to be with friends – it’s a genuine pleasure to be here in Antalya and to be hosted by our Turkish allies and friends. And it’s why we must double down, not only on the support for Ukraine, but also for European, Euro-Atlantic security more generally – that’s what we’re doing.

    That’s the leadership the Prime Minister and President Macron are showing, working with President Trump on that secure and sustainable peace for Ukraine. Which Ukraine again has come forward from, and yet we do not see that same response from Moscow. And President Erdoğan very clearly set out yesterday the importance that that peace has to be sustainable. And that’s going to come through those of us who are willing to get in there, to put boots on the ground, to get the support to ensure that Ukrainian forces are able to defend, deter against future aggression. But also that we as NATO partners are stepping up, particularly European partners here, for our own defence.

    That is what we’re doing with our spending. That’s what we’re doing with our commitments. But this matters not just for us. It matters for the globe. It matters for us in this room, because these are fundamental principles that have been attacked here by Moscow.

  • Keir Starmer – 2025 Comments After the Coalition of the Willing Meeting in Paris

    Keir Starmer – 2025 Comments After the Coalition of the Willing Meeting in Paris

    The comments made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 27 March 2025.

    It is now over two weeks since Ukraine agreed to an immediate 30-day ceasefire.

    That offer is still unanswered. It is over a week since Putin agreed to an energy and infrastructure ceasefire.

    Since then, Russia has hit energy infrastructure in cities across Ukraine.

    They’ve increased their bombardment.

    Firing over 1,000 long range drones at the country.

    Hitting homes, schools and hospitals, with widespread civilian casualties.

    One drone killed a mother, father and their daughter – an innocent family.

    Then, this week we saw the agreement on a ceasefire in the Black Sea.

    I welcomed this as a vital first step forward.

    But within a few minutes of the announcement,

    Russia set out new conditions and delays.

    Now President Trump has rightly called them out for dragging their feet.

    And we agreed here in Paris today that it’s clear the Russians are filibustering.

    They are playing games and playing for time.

    It is a classic from the Putin playbook.

    But we can’t let them drag this out while they continue prosecuting their illegal invasion.

    Instead, we should be setting a deadline of delivering real progress.

    And we should hold them to that deadline.

    So here in Paris we agreed that we must go further now to support the peace process. Support Ukraine and increase the pressure on Russia to get serious.

    That means – first – stepping up the military pressure.

    So the Defence Secretary will chair the next Ukraine Defence Contact Group on 11 April, to marshal more military aid and keep Ukraine in the fight.

    Because peace comes through strength.

    That was one of the main messages reasserted today and emphasised today all-round the table.

    Second, it means increasing the economic pressure on Russia – accelerating new, tougher sanctions, bearing down on Russia’s energy revenues – and working together to make this pressure count.

    We also discussed how we can support the implementation of a full or partial ceasefire, when it is in place, and how we can build efforts towards negotiations on a just and lasting peace.

    That remains our shared goal. And that is what the Coalition of the Willing is designed to support.

    The political will from partners here today was clear.

    And this week in London we hosted over 200 military planners from 30 countries. Coming forward with contributions on everything from logistics and command and control, to deployments on land, air and sea.

    That work continues at pace.

    We will be ready to operationalise a peace deal whatever its precise shape turns out to be.

    And we will work together to ensure Ukraine’s security so it can defend and deter against future attacks.

    This is Europe mobilising together behind the peace process on a scale we haven’t seen for decades.

    Backed by partners from around the world, we are determined to deliver a just and lasting peace.

    Because we know it is vital for Ukraine and Europe as a whole and I am clear that it is vital for Britain.

  • Keir Starmer – 2025 Remarks Following International Leaders Summit

    Keir Starmer – 2025 Remarks Following International Leaders Summit

    The remarks made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, at Lancaster House in London on 2 March 2025.

    Good afternoon.

    The first priority of this government – of any government…

    Is the security and safety of the British people…

    To defend the national interest…

    Particularly in these volatile times.

    That’s why, last week…

    I announced the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War.

    That’s also why I met President Trump last week…

    To strengthen our relationship with America –

    As indispensable partners in defence and security.

    And it’s why, this weekend, I have been hosting European leaders here in London…

    To work together…

    For the security of the United Kingdom, Ukraine and Europe as a whole.

    Through my discussions over recent days…

    We have agreed that the UK, France and others…

    Will work with Ukraine on a plan to stop the fighting…

    Then we’ll discuss that plan with the United States…

    And take it forward together.

    The purpose of today’s meeting was to unite our partners around this effort…

    To strengthen Ukraine…

    And to support a just and enduring peace…

    For the good of all of us.

    Our starting point must be…

    To put Ukraine in the strongest possible position now…

    So that they can negotiate from a position of strength.

    And we are doubling down in our support.

    Yesterday evening…

    The UK signed a £2.2 billion loan…

    To provide more military aid to Ukraine –

    Backed, not by the British taxpayer…

    But by the profits from frozen Russian assets.

    And today, I am announcing a new deal…

    Which allows Ukraine to use £1.6 billion of UK Export Finance…

    To buy more than 5,000 air defence missiles…

    Which will be made in Belfast…

    Creating jobs in our brilliant defence sector.

    This will be vital for protecting critical infrastructure now…

    And strengthening Ukraine in securing the peace, when it comes.

    Because we have to learn from the mistakes of the past.

    We cannot accept a weak deal like Minsk –

    Which Russia can breach with ease.

    Instead, any deal must be backed by strength.

    Every nation must contribute to that in the best way that it can.

    Bringing different capabilities and support to the table…

    But all taking responsibility to act…

    All stepping up to their own share of the burden.

    So we agreed some important steps today.

    First, we will keep the military aid flowing and keep increasing the economic pressure on Russia…

    To strengthen Ukraine now.

    Second, we agreed that any lasting peace must ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.

    And Ukraine must be at the table.

    Third, in the event of a peace deal…

    We will keep boosting Ukraine’s own defensive capabilities…

    To deter any future invasion.

    Fourth, we will go further to develop a “coalition of the willing” to defend a deal in Ukraine…

    And to guarantee the peace.

    Not every nation will feel able to contribute.

    But that can’t mean we sit back.

    Instead, those willing will intensify planning now – with real urgency.

    The UK is prepared to back this…

    With boots on the ground, and planes in the air…

    Together with others.

    Europe must do the heavy lifting…

    But to support peace on our continent.

    And to succeed, this effort must have strong US backing.

    We’re working with the US on this point, after my meeting with President Trump last week.

    And let me be clear – we agree with the President on the urgent need for a durable peace.

    Now we need to deliver, together.

    Finally, we agreed that leaders will meet again very soon…

    To keep the pace behind these actions…

    And to keep working towards this shared plan.

    We are at a crossroads in history today.

    This is not a moment for more talk –

    It is time to act….

    Time to step up and lead…

    And to unite around a new plan…

    For a just and enduring peace.

    Thank you.