Writing as Ukraine marks 33 years since its Declaration of Independence, Mr Healey said: “Putin’s complaints that Ukraine’s offensive is a ‘provocation’ are akin to a playground bully protesting because his smaller victim has had the temerity to fight back.
“Ukraine has the right to defend itself against Russia’s illegal attacks, including the option to carry out incursions within Russia, as long as they are compliant with international law. And we can be proud that British weapons are helping Ukraine protect itself and push back Putin’s forces. Russia can have no objections.”
Mr Healey said Ukraine “must prevail” in its war with Russia, adding: “All of us who support Ukraine should not shy away from helping them to do so, despite Putin’s threats.
“This isn’t just critically important for the people of Ukraine. The defence of Europe, and ultimately the UK, starts on the front lines that run through Ukraine, because if Putin succeeds in his aims there, he will not stop.”
According to Kyiv, its forces have continued to advance in the Kursk region and have destroyed key bridges and pontoons.
Western officials said Russia was suffering 1,000 casualties a day, which is higher than the rate at which it can replace them. “Russia is essentially losing now more than it is able to recruit, and there is no sign of being able to scale up contract recruitment,” they said.
Let’s make some noise for Ukraine
By John Healey
Thirty-three years ago today, Ukraine issued their Declaration of Independence. It was a promise of a brighter, more prosperous future as a sovereign democracy, free from the control of Soviet Russia.
On Saturday, the Ukrainians mark their independence day with war. This is an existential fight. A fight to remain a free and independent nation in the face of Putin’s brutal illegal invasion.
Ukraine has always been the underdog against Russia’s massively bigger forces and resources. Today, we salute the Ukrainian people. They continue to fight with huge courage, military and civilians alike. They fight for freedoms that we ourselves must never take for granted.
We must ensure our Ukrainian friends know that we will stand steadfast by their side for as long as it takes. And we will not be silent in the face of Putin’s aggression.
That’s why today the UK is leading a campaign calling on people across Britain and beyond to let Ukrainians know they have our support. On social media, we ask you to “make noise for Ukraine” and share those posts that do so.
Because alongside the military and economic support that we offer to Ukraine, we have also offered our friendship and solidarity, including the thousands of British families who have welcomed Ukrainians into their homes.
I am proud the UK is still united for Ukraine, over 900 days after Putin’s full-scale invasion.
As President Zelensky and his people continue their fight, our new UK Government has stepped up Britain’s support and made clear our unwavering commitment to stand by Ukraine for however long it takes.
At the Nato summit in Washington, Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, confirmed that we will provide £3 billion a year in support to Ukraine for as long as it takes. We are supplying anti-tank missiles, artillery and armoured vehicles to help push back Putin.