Ukrainian 93rd Brigade in Pokrovsk (Image: Getty)
Christmas is a time of goodwill, for being with loved ones and celebrating what matters most in an often troubling world.
This year tens of thousands of Ukrainians in the UK, many separated from friends and family back home, will have marked the occasion with their host families, new friends and communities.
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This was only made possible thanks to the compassion and enormous generosity of the British people.
And this year, many Ukrainians in Ukraine, in the UK, and across the globe have celebrated Christmas on 25 December, rather than the traditional 7 January, which was aligned with Russia.
As President Zelenskyy himself said, the move means Ukrainians “all celebrate Christmas together. On the same date, as one big family, as one nation, as one united country.”
It is easy to take for granted time spent in the comfort and company of loved ones, in safety and security.
Home Office minister Seema Malhotra (Image: PA)
For almost three years, the lives of millions of Ukrainians have been torn apart, turned upside down by Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked and premediated war.
Homes have been destroyed, families separated, and lives changed forever, and we continue to see the horrors of this conflict unfold every day. In recent days and weeks, we have seen Russian forces systematically targeting energy infrastructure, forcing Ukrainian families to go without lighting and heating in sub-zero temperatures and dark evenings.
At least two thirds of Ukraine’s power generation have been damaged or destroyed, since the start of the full-scale invasion.
We share President Zelenskyy’s vision for after the war: for one united Ukraine. Throughout this conflict, the UK, together with our partners and allies, have stood side-by-side in solidarity with Ukraine and led the world in our support.
Since this government took office, the UK has ramped up and sped up the delivery of critical military support, trained thousands of Ukrainian troops, and boosted international coalitions to support Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s illegal invasion, and we have pledged ￡3bn to Ukraine every year for as long as it takes.
Because putting our allies in the strongest position is vital to our national security, which is a foundation for our Plan for Change to strengthen our country, put more money in working people’s pockets and getting the NHS back on its feet.
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When the conflict began, there was cross party support to quickly establish three generous Ukraine schemes, the first of their kind to be operationalised anywhere in the world.
Thanks to the immense generosity of the British public, the UK has offered or extended sanctuary to more than 300,000 Ukrainians and their families.
We are determined to continue to provide safe haven for all those who need it and stability for those we have welcomed to the UK.
That’s why we supported the previous government when they confirmed that those already here on our Ukraine schemes will be able to apply to extend their stay in the UK for an additional 18 months, when their existing visa nears its end.
The first visas under the Ukraine schemes would have begun to expire early in the New Year. It is vital we provide Ukrainians with certainty about their immediate future, which is especially important for those in work or seeking to secure rental accommodation.
The new scheme, which opens in February, will provide the same access to work, benefits, healthcare and education as Ukrainians in the UK currently enjoy. Those eligible can apply online.
We believe strongly that Ukraine will be safe again, and the Government of Ukraine has also made clear its strong desire for the future return of its citizens to help rebuild Ukraine when it is safe to do so.
It is important we respect these wishes, so these extensions are not a route to permanent settlement in the UK. While these schemes are temporary in their nature, let me be clear: the UK will support Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes.
Earlier this month, the UK Government announced a new ￡225m package of military support, boosting Ukraine’s military with new drones, boats and munitions.
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And today, Ukraine’s efforts to bring war criminals to justice have been boosted by ￡4.5m in UK funding, designed to support the prosecution of war crimes, including sexual violence.
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This new funding will build on a range of existing UK-backed initiatives designed to support accountability efforts in Ukraine.
Our support has already enabled hundreds of police officers, investigators, prosecutors and judges to work confidently and effectively on complex investigations.
So, in this season of reflections and resolutions, let us all resolve that we will not waver in our support for the people of Ukraine: whether through providing sanctuary for those who need it or military and financial support to win a just, lasting peace in Ukraine.