The UK will provide GBP 2 million in vital food supplies for areas of Ukraine encircled by Russian forces, UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said on Saturday.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said the decision follows a direct request from the government of Ukraine, with the supplies covering a rapid donation of dried food, tinned goods and water. Warehouses in Poland and Slovakia are being readied to supply these goods to the government of Ukraine from early next week.
"This vital donation of food and supplies will help support the Ukrainian people in the face of Russia's barbaric invasion," said Truss.
“Our teams are working day and night with our Polish and Slovakian friends and the government of Ukraine to ensure those at most at risk get the essential supplies they so badly need,” she said.
Around 25 truckloads will be transported by road and rail to the local Ukrainian communities in greatest need. It is estimated over 12 million people are currently in need of humanitarian assistance across Ukraine, with the actual figure likely to be much higher.
Therefore, the FCDO said rapid donation is essential, with the window to reach towns and cities already encircled, as well as those at high risk, closing.
“The need on the ground in Ukraine is clear, with so many people in encircled areas trapped in basements without access to food or water. Nearly 6 million children remain in Ukraine, many sheltering inside buildings which are coming under attack,” said Alice Hooper, FCDO humanitarian adviser.
“We are working with partners at the borders to ensure these vital UK supplies reach the places they are needed most as quickly as possible,” she said. Access to food, water and cooking facilities for those trapped by Russian advances is becoming increasingly difficult, with people taking refuge in basements from shelling.