Ed Miliband vows bond between Britain and Ukraine 'unbreakable and built to last'

The United Kingdom is set to hold formal ceremonies commemorating Ukraine’s 35th year of independence, with high-level political figures participating in public displays of solidarity. On Monday, parts of central London, including Westminster and Whitehall, will be illuminated in the colours of Ukraine’s national flag, blue and yellow, as part of the celebrations. Prime Minister Andy Burnham will lead government officials in paying tribute to Ukraine’s struggle for freedom, which began in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The event coincides with the anniversary of Ukraine’s declaration of independence, a milestone that has become increasingly symbolic amid ongoing military conflict with Russia. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting will attend a candle-lit ceremony at the Ukrainian Cathedral of the Holy Family in London, where he will reaffirm the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine. In remarks made earlier, Streeting stated that thirty-five years ago, Ukrainians chose independence, and over the past decade, Russian aggression has sought to undermine that choice. He emphasized that the UK remains steadfast in its backing of Ukraine’s right to self-determination. Meanwhile, the prime minister will chair a virtual meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, a group comprising several European nations committed to supporting Ukraine, with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz among the attendees. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has also spoken publicly about the deepening relationship between the UK and Ukraine, describing the bond as “unbreakable and built to last.” In a statement released by the Daily Mirror, Miliband highlighted the resilience of the Ukrainian people and their role in safeguarding European security. He noted that the conflict is not merely a domestic issue for Ukraine but one that affects the broader stability of the continent. Miliband reiterated the UK’s commitment to aiding Ukraine’s defense efforts and working with international partners to hold Russia accountable for its actions. His comments come as the UK continues to provide military and financial assistance to Ukraine, including through initiatives such as Operation Interflex, which trains Ukrainian forces. The Ministry of Defence is hosting a special exhibition at the National Army Museum, featuring photographs and insights into the UK’s involvement in training Ukrainian troops. Since its launch in June 2022, Operation Interflex has trained more than 67,000 Ukrainian soldiers, significantly bolstering their capacity to defend against Russian attacks. Selected images from the exhibition are scheduled to travel to Kyiv later this year, coinciding with Ukrainian Defenders Day, a national holiday honouring the country’s armed forces. This initiative underscores the growing collaboration between the UK and Ukraine in both military and cultural spheres. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has maintained close ties with Western allies, including the UK, EU members, and NATO partners, to secure continued support for Ukraine’s defense and economic recovery. His administration has worked tirelessly to sustain aid packages and enforce sanctions against Russia, ensuring that Ukraine remains resilient in the face of ongoing hostilities. The UK’s participation in these diplomatic and military efforts reflects a broader international consensus on the importance of upholding Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. As the UK prepares to commemorate Ukraine’s independence, the focus remains on reinforcing the shared values of freedom, democracy, and collective security. With tensions still high along the eastern front, the anniversary serves as a reminder of the stakes involved in the conflict and the necessity of sustained international support. The coming weeks will see further discussions on how best to assist Ukraine in its long-term recovery, with the UK playing a key role in shaping the future of the region.