The Stamford and Grantham MP, Gareth Davies, has celebrated the UK's support of Ukraine this month, as discussions between the countries continue, aid is provided, and sanctions upon Russia remain in place.

Stamford and Grantham MP Gareth Davies has commended the support given by his Government to Ukraine in his February newsletter, detailing his meeting with President Zelensky and the aid being offered by the UK.

At the start of February, in a surprise trip to the United Kingdom, President Zelensky addressed both Houses of Parliament in Westminster Hall, and met with a host of MPs, including Mr Davies.

Gareth Davies said: "Before his address, I was fortunate to be able to join the Prime Minister and the Chancellor to welcome President Zelensky to 10 Downing Street.

"Just as Britain was one of the first countries to aid Ukraine, I am glad that we were one of the first to receive the President, visiting our country before any other in Europe. Symbolically, the RAF then carried the President to meet French, German, and EU dignitaries. This is proof that Britain is once again standing proud alongside our allies, but with an independent and agile foreign policy.

"To date, the UK has led the world with sanctions against Russia and provided anti-tank missiles, air defence systems, armoured fighting vehicles, Sea King helicopters, maritime Brimstone missiles, and over three million rounds of ammunition.

"The UK has also initiated a major training operation for Ukrainian forces, able to train up to 10,000 soldiers every 120 days, including training to operate a squadron of Challenger 2 tanks. Using battle-proven British Army expertise, we are already making a difference to Ukraine's combat effectiveness and the operation will continue."

Mr Davies also acknowledged that the support for the Ukraine is not just taking place in parliament, but that Stamford itself have taken in and welcomed Ukrainian families.

Over 335 Ukrainians have been welcomed into the homes of 130 generous families in South Kesteven, with more families expected.

Yesterday it was announced that South Kesteven District Council will be purchasing 21 homes for use by Afghan and Ukrainian refugees, supported by a £2,098,750 allocation from the Government.

Read more about this here.

On top of this, the community have donated clothes, food, and toiletries, items that are making their way to Ukraine. 

Stamford played host to a service on 24 February to mark one year since the invasion of Ukraine. Read more and view a gallery of images taken at the event here.

To further support their fighting ability, service personnel and veterans from Lincolnshire have donated surplus personal military equipment to their Ukrainian counterparts.

Mr Davies continued: "While I will obviously always continue to be focused on local issues, I was also elected to our national parliament to represent our community on national and international issues facing our country, this is a vital part of any good MPs work. On our local support for Ukraine, I can proudly say that we are doing our bit."

He concluded: "The UK's overall support for Ukraine continues, and I am sure that President Zelensky left the UK knowing that we will back the Ukrainian people until they live in a free and prosperous land."