Russian Attacks on Civilian Infrastructure

Debate between Seema Malhotra and John Slinger

Thursday 4th June 2026 Commons Chamber

[Seema Malhotra]

I thank the shadow Foreign Secretary for her comments. She will know how important it is that we maintain support across the House for our action in supporting Ukraine and putting pressure on Russia. That sends an important message to Putin from the whole of Parliament that we stand in solidarity with Ukraine.

It is important to recognise the work we are doing on sanctions. I disagree with the right hon. Lady’s characterisation of what we have done; I outlined how we have actually strengthened sanctions. In addition, on 26 May the UK sanctioned cryptocurrency exchanges operating in Russia along with entities and individuals suspected of links to the UK-sanctioned A7 network. It is important to recognise that we must continue to keep all our sanctions under review and strengthen them where we can.

The right hon. Lady’s contribution emphasises the need to commit to achieving an unconditional ceasefire. The attacks on Ukraine and the drone attack on Romania are unacceptable, but it is important to say that it is Russia that is stalling and backtracking. Putin has continued to repeat ultra-maximalist demands that would end Ukraine’s existence as a sovereign independent state, while dragging out talks and escalating his aggression against Ukraine. We, however, will continue to work with international partners, as we do every week, to ensure that Ukraine gets the military and financial support it needs to defend itself and to ramp up the economic pressure on Russia in order to force Putin to de-escalate the war and engage in meaningful talks.

[John Slinger (Rugby) (Lab)]

Given that the urgent question is about Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure, I want to bring the voice of a Ukrainian who messaged me earlier today to the Chamber:

“Today Ukraine marks the Day of Remembrance for the Children killed as a result of Russia’s aggression. And this is not history—even this week, there are new deaths, new wounded children, new families destroyed. My Instagram and Facebook feeds are full of these stories: children injured on the way to shelters, mothers and grandmothers killed, little ones left bleeding while people wait for the attack to end before help can reach them. This is what Russia’s attacks on civilian infrastructure mean for Ukrainians—not numbers, but children’s lives being stolen.”

I ask the Minister and other hon. Members to reflect on that.

[Seema Malhotra]

I thank my hon. Friend for those comments. It is devastating to reflect on the impact on children—the children who have been killed; the children who have been injured; the children whose schools have been destroyed; the children whose education has been affected; and the children whose parents do not live with them because they are involved in the war on the frontline or supporting the frontline.

The drone entering Romanian airspace creates even more fear of further escalation, rather than de-escalation. We continue to call for and work for an unconditional ceasefire. Time and again, Russia has shown that it has no regard for civilian life, for children’s lives, for international law, or for the sovereignty of its neighbours. This must not be allowed to stand.

Government Support for Ukrainians

Debate between Seema Malhotra and John Slinger

Monday 21st July 2025 Commons Chamber

[Seema Malhotra]

I thank the hon. Gentleman. Indeed, it has been very much on the Government’s mind for a number of months as we have been working through the detail. It should be recognised that we are working with the Ukrainian embassy and other stakeholders across the country, including the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, as well as the European Commission and other international partners. It is important to come to a position that balances our responsibilities to those on the schemes and citizens of Ukraine more broadly, along with working alongside the Ukrainian Government in relation to their wishes.

[John Slinger (Rugby) (Lab)]

Only recently I was speaking to a Ukrainian friend who expressed some concern, so they will be extremely grateful for the Minister’s comments. I would like to put on the record that the Ukrainian community in my constituency do wonderful work for the Ukrainians here in our community.