Kate writes a bi-weekly column for the Burton Mail. This column was originally featured in the 10th March print edition.
Few of us can imagine or will ever be able to relate to the suffering and fear currently being felt by the Ukrainian people in eastern Europe. The actions of President Putin are entirely unprovoked and a premeditated attack against a sovereign democratic state. This is a shameful violation of international law and there must be a severe cost for Russia's military incursion into Ukraine.
The Prime Minister has set out details of the largest and most severe package of sanctions that Russia has ever seen alongside our international partners, and is coordinating a response with our allies and partners to make sure that Russia cannot further undermine European stability.
Over the last few weeks, we have seen the UK lead the way not just on economic sanctions against the Putin regime but also providing military assistance to the Ukraine Government as they lead the resistance against this invasion on their own country. The UK Government’s total offer of support to the Ukraine crisis is around £400 million with the UK now the largest bilateral humanitarian aid donor to Ukraine. The humanitarian aid will help aid agencies respond to the deteriorating humanitarian situation, creating a lifeline for Ukrainians with access to basic necessities and medical supplies.
In addition to this, the UK Government is matching pound for pound up to £25 million of public donations to the Disaster Emergency Committee’s (DEC’s) Ukraine Humanitarian appeal. This is the largest commitment the Government has ever made to a DEC appeal through UK Aid Match. It will double the impact of public donations, ensuring charities working on the ground can deliver vital aid. If you would like to donate to this appeal you can do so by visiting: www.dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal.
I know as we put our children to bed, we will be thinking about the terror Ukrainian families are facing and the fear of everyone caught up in these horrific events unfolding in Eastern Europe. The Government is clear that our support for Ukraine is unwavering and I know all of us here in Burton and Uttoxeter will want to do all we can to help those caught up in this tragic and wholly unnecessary conflict.
