Foreign Secretary’s Commitment to Ukraine at Warsaw Security Forum
Today, the Foreign Secretary participates in the Warsaw Security Forum, coinciding with a challenging winter for Ukraine, which faces ongoing Russian energy strikes. His address will advocate for a cessation of assaults on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and reaffirm the UK’s resolve to collaborate with European partners in defending against Russian hybrid threats across the continent.
The UK will highlight that no ally is immune to Russia’s tactics, urging a collective effort to bolster security in the UK through a more resilient Europe within a strengthened NATO framework.
Support for an Energy Ceasefire Amidst Harsh Conditions
As Ukrainians brace for another winter filled with power outages and frigid temperatures, the Foreign Secretary stands in solidarity with President Zelenskyy, endorsing his call for an energy ceasefire at today’s forum. The backdrop of this support is Russia’s repeat attempts to exploit winter conditions to destabilise communities, reflected in the recent escalation of attacks against Ukraine’s energy grid, with 200 assaults reported in just the past week.
This surge is emblematic of a broader pattern of aggression, with the Kremlin launching 1,450 bombs and deploying 1,600 drones against Ukraine in the same timeframe. The Foreign Secretary is set to address the pressing issue of hybrid attacks from hostile states, alongside his counterparts from Poland, Germany, and Norway during a key panel discussion.
The Urgent Need for a Unified European Response
The Foreign Secretary is poised to underscore the immediate and pressing threat that Russian actions present to British life, urging European allies to mobilise their economic, industrial, and political resources with a renewed sense of purpose to safeguard their populations and interests. The disruptive strategies employed by Russia pose an alarming risk to both UK security and prosperity.
These calculated threats aim to undermine the very systems that support growth and security for citizens in the UK. The establishment of the National Centre for Information Defence, along with a new partnership with Germany to counter hybrid threats, is expected to bolster the UK’s defensive capabilities against these challenges that jeopardise security both domestically and across Europe.
Increased Defence Spending and Commitment to Security
These initiatives are paralleled by a historic increase in defence spending, marking the most significant investment since the Cold War, with over £300 billion allocated over the next four years. Ahead of the Forum, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband expressed his concerns following a recent visit to Kyiv, where he met children who have only known winters characterised by airstrikes, blackouts, and severe cold.
He stressed that the Russian strikes must not dictate the ability of the Ukrainian people to maintain access to electricity and heating this winter. The threat extends beyond Ukraine, as adversaries in Europe are actively testing defences, targeting infrastructure through cyber-attacks and sabotage, and striving to undermine commitment towards Ukraine.
Strengthening Alliances Against Hybrid Aggression
In the face of these challenges, the Foreign Secretary advocates for unity as the necessary response to those seeking to weaken democratic values. He emphasises the importance of supporting President Zelenskyy and endorsing an energy ceasefire. The ongoing conflict, now dragging on, has seen Russia’s ambitions extend well beyond Ukraine’s borders, with frequent drone incursions along NATO’s eastern flank and cyber-attacks aiming at critical infrastructure, particularly impacting Poland.
A concerning example includes a December 2025 assault on Poland’s energy grid, which nearly resulted in half a million individuals losing power during the harsh winter. Moreover, an attempted train sabotage the previous month narrowly avoided catastrophic consequences.
Strengthening Ties with Poland
During his visit to Poland, the Foreign Secretary met with Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski to reaffirm the UK’s solidarity as they confront Russian threats. Their discussions highlighted the significance of the UK-Poland Northolt Treaty, signed earlier this year, which has enhanced cooperation in defence, security, and economic resilience, enabling joint efforts to counter hybrid activities, including cyber and sabotage attacks.
Personal Reflections on History and Values
The Foreign Secretary’s approach to foreign policy is deeply influenced by his values, rooted in his family’s history. His visit to the Jewish Historical Institute in Warsaw allowed him to engage with this history personally. There, he met with the Director, Dr Michał Trębacz, and archivist Aleksandra Szarapanowska, who presented archives that are directly connected to his family’s legacy.