I recently travelled to Ukraine for the fourth time so far this year. I attended the International Defence Industries Forum in which we discussed the future of technology and innovation in the defence manufacturing sector, as well as how we in the United Kingdom may build commercial links and create opportunities to export materiel procured here in Filton to Ukraine; defending the freedom of the people of Ukraine. This must also involve improving the supply chain within the sector across Europe. Indeed, at the conference, President Zelensky remarked that “Ukraine is open to companies willing to come to Ukraine.”
I also met with Deputy Head of President Zelensky’s office Igor Zhovkva to discuss what more the United Kingdom can do to support our friends Ukraine in their struggle to liberate their country from Russian war criminals. Our conversation included arrangements by the United Kingdom of security guarantees against any future invasion by Russia or her proxies against Ukraine.
I was asked during this visit to extend an invitation from President Zelensky to our Prime Minister to visit Ukraine before Christmas.
