Thank you for contacting me about the cost of our support for Ukraine.
The UK is one of the largest aid donors to Ukraine, committing over £3.8 billion in humanitarian, economic and military assistance.
Of this figure, £220 million comprises humanitarian grant support, making us the third largest bilateral humanitarian donor. The UK's vital humanitarian aid is helping to save lives and protect the vulnerable both inside Ukraine and in neighbouring countries and is taken from our Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget, meaning none of it will be repaid.
In terms of economic assistance, UK support includes, among other things, £10 million for the Energy Support Fund to assist the Government of Ukraine with essential repairs to energy infrastructure and £41 millions of guaranteed lending to Ukraine’s energy transmission operator. This is also taken from the ODA budget. In addition, the UK stands ready to provide a third guarantee of up to $525 million (or £429 million) of new World Bank lending to Ukraine, bringing the total amount of UK fiscal support, including loan guarantees, to £1.3 billion. In the event of a default by Ukraine on the planned World Bank loan, UK guarantees would be eligible to be counted as ODA.
The UK has also committed a total of £2.3 billion for lethal and non-lethal military support to Ukraine this year, making us the second biggest donor of military aid after the US. This support has included armoured vehicles, anti-tank missiles, air defence systems, and multiple launch rocket systems.
I hope this has clarified for you the UK’s immediate assistance and long-term commitments to Ukraine, along with associated costs. Be in no doubt, the UK will continue to stand with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, and it is my firm belief that the cost of the UK's support is a worthwhile price to pay to defend freedom and democracy in Europe.
I share your concerns for the elderly who remain in Ukraine and continue to experience the devastating impacts of Russia's unprovoked and brutal invasion.
Naturally, older people are extremely vulnerable in conflict situations as they are often unable to flee the violence, they may have mobility problems, be housebound, or they may be reluctant to leave familiar surroundings. I am, therefore, glad that UK funding is targeting those most vulnerable, including the elderly, in Ukraine.
Specifically, the UK Government has increased support in response to harsh winter conditions with £12 million to the World Food Programme to provide vouchers and in-kind food relief and provided clean water supply to 1.7 million people. In addition, the Government has established 12 support centres for those who have been internally displaced, providing information, protection, and essential relief items, and continues to support the international humanitarian system, through the UN, the Red Cross, and Non-Governmental Organisations, which provide aid to those who are the hardest to reach and most vulnerable.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.