Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent representations she has made to the Governments of (a) Ukraine and (b) Russia on humanitarian access to eastern Ukraine; what assessment she has made of the effect of recent fighting on civilian infrastructure in that region; and what steps she is taking to assist civilians affected by the ongoing conflict in that region.

The UK has consistently called on all sides to grant humanitarian agencies full and unhindered access to vulnerable people affected by the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

Fighting around Avdiivka has resulted in a worrying deterioration in the humanitarian situation. Severe damage to civilian infrastructure and utilities means vulnerable people are forced to face sub-zero temperatures without reliable access to water, electricity or heating. On 31 January, the Foreign Secretary called for a full and sustained ceasefire, in line with the provisions of the Minsk agreements, to facilitate crucial repairs, restore vital utilities, and assist the vulnerable.

UK Aid is helping to save lives and support civilians affected by the ongoing conflict.