On a wall in Kyiv, a portrait of a young man named Maroschenko, who shares the same birthday as me, is displayed. Despite being born over a decade after me, he has tragically passed away. His image is among the many fallen Ukrainians memorialized on Kyiv’s wall, who bravely sacrificed their lives to resist Putin’s brutal invasion.
During my recent visit to Kyiv, I was awestruck by the beauty of the city in the autumn sunlight. Despite the looming threat from Russia, people in cafes and on their way home from work defiantly continue with their daily lives.
Accompanying the new Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on her inaugural foreign trip since assuming office, we witnessed the escalating Russian aggression towards Ukraine. Amidst Putin’s façade of peace talks, the situation remains highly precarious.
Meanwhile, in the Middle East, Gaza faces a dire situation as Israel’s recent strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar jeopardizes ceasefire negotiations.
During our journey to Kyiv, Ms. Cooper’s swift decision to visit Ukraine underscores the UK’s unwavering support. Meeting with President Zelensky, their exchange conveyed a strong message of solidarity. Additionally, visiting the Council of Ministers building with Ukraine’s PM Yulia Svyrydenko, they observed the aftermath of a Russian attack that damaged the structure.
Ms. Cooper’s interactions with families displaced near the eastern Ukrainian frontline left a lasting impact. Reflecting on these encounters, she affirmed, “Russian efforts to undermine Ukrainian resolve will not succeed.”
Lizzy Buchan, the Mirror’s Political Editor, has been reporting from Westminster since 2017, focusing on various issues including work, trade unions, child poverty, defense, and foreign policy.
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