We have recently passed the 300th day of what was arrogantly assumed by Vladimir Putin to be a three-day operation by Russia, when he illegally invaded Ukraine on 24th February.
As Russia has changed its tactics throughout the conflict, we have changed the type and level of our support to Ukraine.
There is no let-up for the Ukrainians and, as can be seen by the weaponisation of energy, there is also no let-up from the consequences of Putin’s war for us here in the United Kingdom.
Therefore, Ukraine will require our continued support in 2023, building on our lethal aid, training, humanitarian support and international co-ordination.
I am proud of the military equipment and aid that we have been giving the Ukrainians, and also of the humanitarian aid that people in Newcastle-under-Lyme have sent to Ukraine over the past year.
I was glad that the Secretary of State for Defence confirmed that previous escalations Russia have carried out have resulted in further aid being provided to Ukraine and he is open to doing similar given the current escalations.
It was also very encouraging to see Volodymyr Zelenskyy visit Washington yesterday. The West must stand firm and united; appeasing Russia once again would be a major strategic blunder that would weaken our collective security.