UK’s top diplomat visits Kyiv, pledges $200M, slams Putin’s brutal war

She is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko.

Cooper will also visit the Cabinet of Ministers building in Kyiv, which was significantly damaged in a recent Russian missile strike, and residential buildings destroyed by Russia’s brutal attacks.

“I have chosen to visit Ukraine in my first few days as Foreign Secretary because Ukraine’s security is crucial to the UK’s security. I am clear that the UK’s support is unwavering and stronger than ever as we know the long-term security and stability threat that Russian aggression poses not just to Ukraine, but to the whole of Europe and to all of us here in the UK,” she said.

Cooper announced £142 million (almost $200 million)in UK aid to support Ukraine through the winter and into next year.

£100 million ($136 million) will provide vital support for humanitarian assistance to help civilians in frontline communities, protect the most vulnerable and provide emergency support for those impacted by Russia’s ongoing attacks. This will include repairing critical water and heating systems, and supporting livelihoods and jobs to strengthen Ukrainian resilience in the fourth winter of Russia’s illegal war.

The remaining funds will help carry out vital repairs to the electricity transmission network and implement critical protection for gas and power infrastructure as winter approaches.

“Through our ongoing military support, lifesaving funding announced today, the UK-Ukraine 100 Year Partnership and our ongoing leadership of the Coalition of the Willing, we will be by Ukraine’s side to achieve a just and lasting peace, and in friendship for years to come,” Cooper said, adding that “Putin’s bombardment of Ukrainian civilians, his stalling and delaying in internationally-backed peace talks, and his blatant disregard for human life must end.”