March 2022
Economic sanctions designed to isolate Russia have caused the rouble to plummet, wiping as much as $250 billion off the Russian stock market before the Kremlin were forced to close the market. It is predicted that the global response will set Russia’s economy back by at least 30 years. Belarus has also been sanctioned for its complicity in Putin's premeditated invasion, further wiping out decades of economic gains.
I am proud that at the time of writing, UK aid to Ukraine comes to £395 million, making us the largest humanitarian donor. Last year I was appointed as a Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, so I have been working closely with the Foreign Secretary and her team of Ministers.
In my role as PPS, I was asked to accompany His Excellency Vadym Prystaiko, Ambassador of Ukraine to the UK. Applause is not usually permitted in the House of Commons, but MPs from all sides eagerly broke with precedent to demonstrate support for Ukraine.
The President of Ukraine marked an historic first when he addressed the Commons via video link, making him the first foreign leader ever to address the Chamber. The actions of Russia’s President have not defeated Ukraine, instead we have seen other nations unite in support of Ukraine’s patriotism and defiance.
Putin must fail. The UK Government, standing alongside our friends in Ukraine and allies, is engaged in ensuring he does.
