The UK Prime Minister pledges continued support for Ukraine, stressing the need for a united response against Russian aggression.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has reiterated that Ukraine must emerge victorious in its ongoing conflict with Russia, emphasising the importance of global unity in opposing the invasion. Speaking in the House of Commons upon his return from a series of international summits, including the Commonwealth, G7, and NATO meetings, Johnson underscored the alliance’s strengthened resolve to support Ukraine “for as long as it takes.”

The Prime Minister described the NATO summit in Madrid as “exceeding all expectations” due to the solidarity shown by member nations. He warned that if Russian President Vladimir Putin is not halted in Ukraine, his expansionist ambitions would continue, posing a direct threat to global peace. “We are not defending an abstract principle, but the very foundation of a peaceful world,” Johnson said. “If large nations can be allowed to dismantle their neighbours, no country will ever be safe again.”

Johnson also highlighted that Ukraine “must have the strength to end the war on its own terms,” echoing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s stance on the conflict. The Prime Minister welcomed the inclusion of Finland and Sweden into NATO, stressing that their partnership reinforced the collective opposition to Russia’s aggression.

Addressing the global economic consequences of the war, Johnson clarified that rising food prices are a direct result of Russia’s blockade of Ukraine’s vital grain exports, further exacerbating the crisis. He emphasised that the implications of Russia’s actions extend beyond Ukraine’s borders, affecting global food security and threatening the safety of nations far removed from the conflict.

The UK’s commitment to defence spending will also increase, with Johnson indicating that the country is set to allocate 2.5% of its GDP to military expenditure by the end of the decade. He also reported that the G7 had pledged nearly $30 billion in financial support for Ukraine, alongside additional military, humanitarian, and diplomatic aid.

Johnson condemned Russia’s missile attack on a Ukrainian shopping centre during the G7 summit, which resulted in at least 18 civilian deaths, describing the assault as “barbaric” and strengthening the resolve of international leaders to continue supporting Ukraine.

In addition, the G7 members agreed to tighten sanctions on Russia, including a ban on the import of Russian gold, a major source of export revenue for the country. Leaders also discussed ways to ensure that the 25 million tonnes of grain blocked in Ukraine reach the global markets that depend on them.

Johnson concluded by emphasising that the unity of the international community is critical for both Ukraine’s victory and the protection of global peace and security.