News story

UK injects $100m into Ukraine’s economy as Canadian and Dutch Prime Ministers are welcomed to Downing Street

The PM commences a week of engagement with world leaders to mobilise the global outcry at the atrocities of Russian aggression into support for Ukraine.

  • Today the Prime Minister will welcome Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau and Dutch Prime Minister Rutte to Downing Street
  • Leaders will visit RAF base to meet members of the UK Armed Forces before conducting a joint press conference
  • Comes as the UK pledges extra $100m to assist the people of Ukraine
  • Builds upon recent UK backing of £220 million overall aid support to Ukraine

Today the Prime Minister commences a week of focussed engagement with world leaders to mobilise the global outcry at the atrocities of Russian aggression into practical and sustained support for Ukraine.

On Monday he will work with leaders from Canada and the Netherlands to continue to champion the international response for Ukraine. They will also visit a RAF base to meet members of the UK Armed Forces.

The three Prime Ministers will convene for separate bilateral meetings and a joint trilateral meeting. There will also be a joint press conference at the Downing Street Briefing Room.

It comes as the UK allocates an additional $100m directly to the Ukrainian government budget to mitigate financial pressures created by Russia’s unprovoked and illegal invasion.

This grant could be used to support public sector salaries, allowing critical state functions to keep operating, as well as to support social safety nets and pensions for the Ukrainian people. The grant will be provided through the World Bank.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

In the time since Russia’s illegal and brutal assault we have seen the world stand up tall in solidarity with the indomitable people of Ukraine.

UK aid is already reaching those who need it most, delivering essential supplies and medical support.

While only Putin can fully end the suffering in Ukraine, today’s new funding will continue to help those facing the deteriorating humanitarian situation.

The new UK $100m funding announced today comes on top of the UK training 22,000 soldiers, supplying 2,000 anti-tank missiles, providing £100 million for economic reform and energy independence, and providing £120 million of humanitarian aid including £25 million of match funding to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal.

This follows our offer to guarantee up to $500 million of Multilateral Development Bank financing. This will unlock further funding in support of the Ukrainian economy.

The UK is proving this support through a World Bank Multi-Donor Trust Fund established this week to support the Ukrainian government.

The Government urges other donors to pool their resources in this Trust Fund to ensure efficient and rapid support to the government and people of Ukraine.

Published 7 March 2022