Alison Thewliss, the SNP’s Home Affairs Spokesperson, has questioned the Prime Minister’s commitment to defeating Russia at Prime Minister’s Questions today.
Prior to PMQs today, Thewliss met with Ukranian Member of Parliament, Mykola Stefanchuk who was also in the public gallery.
In her question to the Prime Minister, Thewliss asked:
“Ukranian MP, Mykola Stefanchuk is in the public gallery this afternoon.
“Mykola told me that Ukraine has the people, Ukraine has the courage, but Ukraine does not currently have the weapons and air defence to secure her freedom.
“The latest Russian attack on Chernihiv this morning has sadly killed at least 10 people and injured many more.
“Can I ask the Prime Minister, will he respond to President Zelensky’s statement that this would not have happened if Ukraine had sufficient defence equipment?”
Following the attack on Chernihiv today, President Zelensky shared his views on social media website, X.
In his tweet, he said:
“Chernihiv. A rescue operation is underway following a Russian missile strike. There are people under the rubble. As of now, 20 people are reported to have been injured and ten killed. My condolences to their close ones.
“Unfortunately, the death toll may still rise. This would not have happened if Ukraine had received a sufficient number of air defense systems and if the world’s determination to counter Russian terror had been sufficient.
“Terrorists can only destroy lives if they first intimidate those who can stop terror and save lives. Determination matters. Support matters.
“The Ukrainian determination is sufficient. There must be equally sufficient determination from our partners and, as a result, sufficient support.”
Commenting, Alison Thewliss MP said:
“The people of Ukraine are bravely defending their country against a well-equipped adversary. We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the situation in Ukraine.
“The UK must increase its efforts by providing increased military aid, including defensive weaponry, as well as humanitarian support to address the growing humanitarian crisis.”
“It is high time the Prime Minister took significant action to strengthen the UK’s commitment to defeating Russia. The future of Ukraine and the principles of international law are at stake.”