Statement: Four years since Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine

Four years since Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion, Ukraine continues to stand strong – sovereign and independent.

I flew the penultimate UK mission into Kyiv, delivering materiel essential to Ukraine’s defence ahead of the full-scale invasion. Back then Russia thought it could take Ukraine in three days: Ukraine has proven Putin wrong.

In 2025 I returned to Ukraine out of uniform, and as a member of the House of Commons Defence Committee for a sobering visit. We can now see what we could not in 2022: Ukraine’s resilience and asymmetric approach to warfare has humbled Russia. We must continue doing all we can to support Ukraine – not only for their freedom, but for ours too.

We must show that expansionism can never be rewarded. Everyone in this country should be proud that the UK has committed £21.8bn in support of Ukraine since the war began. We must continue to stand with Ukraine.