Special episode: Behind the scenes of David Lammy’s Ukraine trip
Feb 7, 2025
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David Lammy, the UK's Foreign Secretary, shares insights from his recent trip to Ukraine, where he met with President Zelensky. He discusses the stark realities of life in Kyiv amidst the ongoing conflict and emphasizes the resilience of the Ukrainian people. Lammy delves into the complexities of British military involvement and the necessity for international support and negotiations for peace. With personal anecdotes about his interactions with Ukraine's leadership, he sheds light on the urgent need for security guarantees and future UK-Ukrainian relations.
David Lammy's visit underscores the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict and political uncertainties in international alliances.
The trip reveals a complex picture of life in Kyiv, showcasing resilience amid war while highlighting the emotional toll on its citizens.
Deep dives
Valuable Political Visit to Ukraine
A recent trip to Ukraine highlights the ongoing political commitment between the UK and Ukraine as the foreign secretary, David Lammy, aims to strengthen support during the conflict. This visit coincides with the three-year anniversary of Russia's latest invasion and comes amid uncertainty regarding US involvement under new leadership. The trip was logistically challenging, requiring travel by land after flying to Poland due to safety concerns related to Russian threats. This first-hand experience allowed the foreign secretary to establish a connection with Ukrainian leaders and assess the atmosphere in a country grappling with war effects, all while emphasizing UK’s long-term support.
Impact of the War on Ukrainian Society
During the visit, the atmosphere in the capital city of Kiev was reported to be surprisingly normal despite the war, though subtle signs of conflict were evident. Individuals were observed wearing military fatigues, and the remnants of bombed buildings served as reminders of the ongoing struggle. The narrative presented was one of resilience, with the Ukrainian people enduring the daily realities of war, sending their loved ones to the frontlines. This juxtaposition of ordinary life against the backdrop of war illustrates the mental and emotional toll on a society constantly affected by conflict.
The Call for Sustained International Support
Zelensky's government continues to seek unwavering support from the UK and its allies, particularly in the form of long-term security guarantees to deter future aggressions. Discussions pointed to the necessity of building a robust framework for peace that would require significant international backing, notably involving the US. As military aid increases, concerns were raised about the sustainability of this support should the political landscape shift. The urgency of Ukraine obtaining commitments from international partners underlines the precarious nature of security in the region and the need for durable solutions to prevent further conflict.
Almost three years after Russia invaded Ukraine, what is the situation like on the ground in Kyiv? And is there a path to peace? Pippa Crerar travelled to the war-ravaged country with the foreign secretary to find out. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
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