U.K. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, who replaced David Lammy at that post on Sept. 5 when Prime Minister Keir Starmer promoted Lammy to Deputy Prime Minister, is in Kiev today where she is reported to have met with “President Zelenskyy, Ukrainian Ministers, to boost U.K. and Ukraine relationship, because Ukraine’s security is crucial to the U.K.’s security.”
“In a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian people who are on the frontline in defending their country and standing up against Russian aggression in Europe, the Foreign Secretary is clear that Ukraine is a priority for the U.K.,” said Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said in a statement. “After a summer of Russian delay tactics at peace talks, weeks of increased attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure, and ahead of a difficult winter, her visit will reaffirm that this support is ironclad.”
Cooper has already announced £142 million in U.K. aid to Ukraine, including £100 million to “provide vital support for humanitarian assistance,” and £42 million to “help carry out vital repairs to the electricity transmission network....”
In a separate statement, the Foreign Office announced 100 new sanctions to be imposed on Russia. “The 100 sanctions further build economic pressure on Russia, targeting its military sector and illicit shadow fleet—as Putin continues to intensify his war, terrorizing Ukrainians with missiles and drones, and killing innocent civilians,” it said. “The 100 sanctions further build economic pressure on Russia, targeting its military sector and illicit shadow fleet—as Putin continues to intensify his war, terrorising Ukrainians with missiles and drones, and killing innocent civilians.”
