Thank you for contacting me about the tragic events unfolding in Ukraine.
It has been over five months since Vladimir Putin, enabled by Belarus, launched this illegal war, bringing untold suffering to the innocent people of Ukraine. This is a premeditated and unprovoked attack, barbaric in execution, on a sovereign democratic state. I stand with the Ukrainian people and their President, whose defiance, courage and patriotism in the face of foreign aggression is inspiring.
I also commend the leadership shown by the UK, and explicitly acknowledged by President Zelenskyy, in encouraging 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 machine.
I do appreciate why you would like to see Ukraine's debt cancelled outright. We all of course want to see maximum assistance extended given to the brave people of Ukraine at this time of national peril. 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, and I am sure that the UK will go further on economic relief if and where practicable.
On this point I would draw your attention to the remarks of Nick Dyer, a senior FCDO official, on the 18 May before the International Development Committee, who said that the Ukrainian Government want to pay their debts and do not want cancellation at this time.
Once again, thank you for taking the time to write. If you require any further assistance, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
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