Investments in Ukraine represent investments in the future of Europe and global security, the protection of fundamental values.
This was stated on Tuesday evening in Istanbul at an event to mark the third anniversary of the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine by His Majesty's Consul General and UK Economic Representative for Eastern Europe and Central Asia Kenan Poleo.
When you invest in Ukraine, you invest in the future of Europe and the future of global security. So it’s not just about military support and sanctions. It’s about people, it’s about mothers, it’s about parents, it’s about grandparents. It’s about protecting the core values that allow people to succeed and make their dreams come true,” Poleo said.
The British diplomat stressed that any future peace settlement must be based on a strong Ukraine.
“An agreement that simply allows Russia to rearm and come back is really no agreement. When we support Ukraine, we are defending the rights of people to be themselves, to determine the future they want for themselves,” he stressed.
Poleo also recalled his country's strong support for Ukraine.
“That’s why our response has been robust, comprehensive and wide-ranging. We have committed £12.8 billion in overall support, including £7.8 billion in military aid and almost £1 billion in humanitarian aid,” he said.
The diplomat recalled that the United Kingdom is ready to play a central role in ensuring a lasting and just peace in Ukraine, including the deployment of British troops.
As reported by Ukrinform, on January 16 in Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelensky and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed the Agreement on a 100-year partnership.
Britain is ready and willing to deploy its troops on Ukrainian territory as a security guarantee if necessary.
The UK government on Monday, February 24, announced the largest package of sanctions against Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago.
Media reports that in the current circumstances, Britain is discussing the possibility of convening a group of European leaders for further negotiations on Russia's war against Ukraine.