Yesterday (Monday), Grantham and Stamford MP Gareth Davies joined a briefing with the Foreign Secretary, Rt Hon. Liz Truss MP, on the escalating situation on the Ukrainian border. 

The Foreign Secretary was clear: the situation is grave. Russia has positioned over 100,000 troops on the Ukrainian border and a potential invasion is now understood to be “highly likely” in the coming days. As such, the Government’s official advice now strongly recommends that all British citizens based in Ukraine leave immediately. The situation could quickly become extremely dangerous – it is a significant risk to remain. There are still commercial flights available and this remains the best way to return home to the UK. 

Over 1,300 UK citizens have already registered their presence in Ukraine. Any citizens who remain in Ukraine should maintain vigilance. 

In response to the escalating situation, Britain has provided both equipment and military training to Ukrainian forces, and the Prime Minister, Defence Secretary, and Foreign Secretary have embarked on a diplomatic effort to ensure a united response amongst our allies to Russian aggression. The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary will be travelling to meet with allies across Europe later this week. There are concerns that any conflict could lead to the destabilisation of Eastern Europe, and so the United Kingdom will be reassuring allies of our support. We have already increased our provision of air cover and naval support in the region. 

As the Prime Minister has himself made clear: NATO is neither a threat nor the provocateur here. NATO is a defensive organisation, and it has been supporting an independent Ukraine against threatening Russian behaviour: Russia has stationed almost half of its combat troops on its border.  

On 10th February, the Government laid new legislation to expand our ability to sanction individuals with significant influence in Russia, and the Foreign Secretary has a programme of economic sanctions ready to implement should Russia invade Ukraine. Gareth outlined a range of options when it comes to economic sanctions in The Times recently, which you can read here. 

Today the Prime Minister chairs a special meeting of COBRA on the developing situation in Ukraine and is in frequent contact with our allies and his ministerial colleagues. 

If any constituents have family or friends in Ukraine, please ensure that they register their presence in the country through the Government’s website here and inform them of the Government’s strong advice to leave the country.

The MP says he will continue to monitor the situation and will be attending further briefings with Foreign Office colleagues this week. He will seek to keep constituents informed as and when more information is available.