On 27 October, Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Olexandr Mischenko received copies of the credentials of the newly appointed His Britannic Majesty’s Ambassador to Ukraine Neil Crompton.

Olexandr Mischenko welcomed the head of the British diplomatic mission as he begins his mission in Ukraine and highly commended the United Kingdom’s consistent, comprehensive support in countering Russia’s aggression, its leadership role in Europe, and the strategic nature of the Ukrainian-British partnership.

The Deputy Foreign Minister expressed gratitude to the United Kingdom for the assistance already provided to Ukraine, including in the military sphere, which is essential to protect civilians and critical infrastructure from the Russian aggressor’s daily barbaric missile and drone attacks. In this context, the sides agreed on the need to intensify partners’ efforts to further increase pressure on Russia, particularly in political and sanctions spheres, aiming at achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. “Ukrainian militaries are defending our shared European values at the cost of their own lives. We will continue working with our British partners to strengthen sanctions and other forms of pressure until Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is completely stopped”, Olexandr Mischenko emphasized.

The interlocutors underlined the importance of implementing the unprecedented One Hundred Year Partnership Agreement between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Ukraine, as well as the need for the Strategic Partnership Dialogue between Ukraine and the United Kingdom to convene on a regular basis.

Special attention was paid to Ukraine-UK cooperation on issues of Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration and within regional defence mechanisms, in particular the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF).

For his part, Ambassador Neil Crompton condemned Russia’s brutal aggression against Ukraine and reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Neil Crompton confirmed the UK’s readiness to further strengthen defence, economic, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. “This is not only your war; it is also our war. The United Kingdom will continue to support Ukraine”, the newly appointed head of the British diplomatic mission said.