Thank you for contacting me about the tragic events unfolding in Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin has unleashed a full-scale invasion of Ukraine by land, sea and air. This is a premeditated and unprovoked attack, barbaric in execution, on a sovereign democratic state. As I am sure you are aware, I stand with the Ukrainian people and their President and recently visited the area to gain a better understanding of the situation.
President Zelenskyy recently acknowledged the support received from the UK Government, and the way in which the Government has encouraged the world to support Ukraine with military aid and isolate Russia for its illegal invasion, including through the imposition of sanctions aimed at crippling its economy and war efforts.
I do appreciate why people would like to see Ukraine's debt cancelled outright. The UK is already providing a package of economic support and relief to Ukraine, including by guaranteeing up to $1bn of loans to Ukraine, and is encouraging allies to offer all possible assistance too. The UK has said that nothing is off the table when it comes to our support for Ukraine. It is understood that the Ukrainian Government wants to pay its debts and does not want cancellation at this time.
I continue to follow events closely and thank all those Islanders who have welcomed Ukrainian refugees into their homes.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
