Yvette Cooper commended the courageous Ukrainians for standing up against Russian aggression, conveying to Volodymyr Zelensky: “You are doing this on behalf of all of us.”
During their initial official meeting at the grand Office of the President Building, the Ukrainian President warmly welcomed the Foreign Secretary, expressing gratitude for her visit and emphasizing its significance to them.
Acknowledging the critical importance of the situation, Ms. Cooper reiterated the shared security interests, stating, “Your security is our security.” She lauded the Ukrainian President for his resilience and bravery in the face of Russian aggression, affirming unwavering support from the beginning until peace, victory, and the reconstruction of Ukraine.
Accompanied by the Mirror, the new Foreign Secretary embarked on her first overseas trip to Kyiv as a gesture of solidarity with Ukraine amidst escalating Russian aggression. Following a breach of Polish airspace by Russian attack drones and Moscow’s recent aerial assault on Kyiv, the Foreign Secretary announced a series of new sanctions targeting Vladimir Putin’s military apparatus, intensifying pressure on the Russian economy and arms supplies.
The sanctions, totaling around 100, aim at the military sector and the illicit shadow fleet, which support Russian weaponry production. Ms. Cooper emphasized the UK’s firm stance against Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the importance of international actions to increase economic pressure on Russia and disrupt funding streams for the war effort.
Notable targets of the sanctions include entities supplying essential components for Russian missile systems and drones, alongside sanctions on ships in Russia’s shadow fleet involved in illicit oil exports. As Russia persists in its aggression, firing hundreds of missiles and drones in a single night, the UK stands alongside Ukraine in defense of its sovereignty and security.
Ms. Cooper’s visit to Kyiv included assessments of the damage caused by recent attacks, discussions with Ukrainian officials on the ongoing threats faced by the population, and visits to charities assisting displaced families. She also paid respects at the Memorial Wall honoring fallen Ukrainian soldiers, underscoring the shared commitment to peace and justice in the region.