The UK is to push for tougher international sanctions against Vladimir Putin’s Russia and increase supplies of arms to Ukraine as evidence of atrocities continue to emerge from the war zone.
Prime minister Boris Johnson said “Britain will never waver from supporting our friends” in a sign of the increased commitment to defend Ukraine.
Foreign secretary Liz Truss will meet Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba in Warsaw on Monday ahead of key G7 and Nato talks later this week when she will push for tougher economic measures against “the Putin war machine”.
Putin will never break the spirit of Ukraine’s people or conquer their homeland.
Ukraine will rise again and take her place among free and sovereign nations once more.
🇬🇧🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/0VWziRkRGO— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) April 4, 2022
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Ms Truss argues that weakening Russia’s economy will help strengthen Ukraine’s hand in peace negotiations with Moscow.
She will hold talks with Polish counterpart Zbigniew Rau on Tuesday and has also pledged a £10 million (€11.9 million) civil society fund for Ukraine, including support for organisations dealing with sexual violence following reports of Russian forces using rape as a way to terrorise the civilian population.
There has also been widespread international outrage about other atrocities, including possible mass executions carried out by Russian forces as areas around the capital, Kyiv, returned to Ukrainian control.
Ms Truss said: “Putin is yet to show he is serious about diplomacy. A tough approach from the UK and our allies is vital to strengthen Ukraine’s hand in negotiations.
“Britain has helped lead the way with sanctions to cripple the Putin war machine.
“We will do more to ramp up the pressure on Russia, and we will keep pushing others to do more.
“We will continue to support those who are suffering as a result of Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, including the victims of sexual violence and those in need of humanitarian support.”
Mr Johnson, who spoke to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy over the weekend, used a video posted on social media to show his support for the country’s efforts to resist the Russian invasion.
He said: “All the tanks and guns in Vladimir Putin’s arsenal will never break the spirit of Ukraine’s people or conquer their homeland.”
Mr Johnson highlighted the Nlaw and Javelin anti-tank systems and Starstreak anti-air missiles which the UK has already supplied to Ukraine, as well as protective helmets and body armour.
But in his talks with Mr Zelenskiy on Saturday he indicated there will be further help on offer.
Mr Zelenskiy said there will be a “new package” of “very, very tangible support”, while No 10 said the prime minister “committed to continue to step up defensive support”.
The Russian focus in Ukraine appears to have shifted from attempts to besiege Kyiv to efforts around the south and east of the country.
British defence intelligence analysts said that includes the deployment of mercenaries from the Wagner Group – seen as Mr Putin’s private army – in the Donbas area.
