Yesterday at 20:05
Newly appointed UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper arrived in Kyiv on September 12 to underline Britain’s steadfast support for Ukraine and to announce £142 million (over €164 million) in new assistance to help the country through the coming winter and into next year.
“I chose to visit Ukraine in my first days as Foreign Secretary because Ukraine’s security is vital to the security of the United Kingdom,” Cooper stated.
Breakdown of the Support Package
- £100 million will fund critical humanitarian aid for civilians in frontline areas, protect the most vulnerable, and deliver emergency relief to those affected by Russian attacks.
- This includes repairs to key water and heating systems, support for livelihoods and jobs, and efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s resilience as it faces a fourth winter of Russia’s illegal war.
- £42 million will be used to repair electricity grids and help safeguard gas and energy infrastructure ahead of the winter season.
Cooper stressed that Britain’s commitment to Ukraine is “unwavering and stronger than ever”, recognizing that Russian aggression threatens not only Ukraine but Europe’s long-term security and “all of us here in the United Kingdom.”
“Putin’s bombardment of Ukrainian civilians, his stalling of international peace talks, and his blatant disregard for human life must stop,” she emphasized.
High-Level Meetings in Kyiv
During her visit, Cooper is scheduled to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, and Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. She will discuss shared priorities within the UK–Ukraine strategic dialogue, which will culminate in a meeting between the UK Prime Minister and the Ukrainian President.
Cooper also plans to visit the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers building, recently damaged in a Russian attack, and a residential block destroyed by Russian shelling.
Her trip follows Prince Harry’s unexpected visit to Kyiv earlier the same day, where he pledged to do “everything possible” to assist the recovery of Ukrainian soldiers seriously wounded in the war with Russia.
