UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss will pledge Britain’s support to Ukraine for the “long haul” to resist Russia's invasion and to rebuild the nation.
Ms Truss will tell a recovery conference in Switzerland on Monday that the UK will “do everything possible to ensure Ukraine wins the war and recovers”.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has asked the UK to champion the recovery of the capital of Kyiv and the surrounding region, the British Foreign Office said.
But attempts to recover and rebuild are made more challenging by Russia’s ability to strike the capital with missiles as its forces make creeping advances in the east.
Ms Truss will use the conference in the city of Lugano to set out a vision to give immediate support and long-term commitments to work alongside the Ukrainians.
“Ukraine’s recovery from Russia’s war of aggression will be a symbol of the power of democracy over autocracy," say excerpts of her address, which were released early.
"It will show [Russian President Vladimir] Putin that his attempts to destroy Ukraine have only produced a stronger, more prosperous and more united nation.
“We have led on support for Ukraine during the war and will continue to lead in supporting the Ukrainian government’s reconstruction and development plan.”
Ms Truss will announce plans to host next year’s recovery conference as the government commits to a Marshall Plan-style programme, similar to the one used to rebuild Europe after the Second World War.
“The UK will do everything possible to ensure Ukraine wins the war and recovers. We need to be in this for the long haul,” she is expected to say.
Mr Putin has focused his assault on the eastern regions of Luhansk and Donetsk after withdrawing from the offensive in Kyiv amid fierce resistance.
Moscow claims that Russian forces have taken control of Lysychansk, the last major Ukrainian-held city in Luhansk.
Russia hit Kyiv with missile strikes last week in what Ukrainians called an intimidation attempt as they seek a return to normal life while still under siege.
Authorities said at least 19 people, including two children, were killed in a missile attack on the town of Serhiivka, near Odesa, on Friday.
Another 19 were killed and 62 injured in a missile strike on a shopping centre in the central city of Kremenchuk last Monday, Ukrainian authorities said.
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Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
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Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
The Library: A Catalogue of Wonders
Stuart Kells, Counterpoint Press
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
RESULTS
6.30pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 – Group 1 (PA) $49,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
Winner RB Frynchh Dude, Pat Cosgrave (jockey), Helal Al Alawi (trainer)
7.05pm Al Bastakiya Trial – Conditions (TB) $50,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner El Patriota, Vagner Leal, Antonio Cintra
7.40pm Zabeel Turf – Listed (TB) $88,000 (Turf) 2,000m
Winner Ya Hayati, Mickael Barzalona, Charlie Appleby
8.15pm Cape Verdi – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner Althiqa, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby
8.50pm UAE 1000 Guineas – Listed (TB) $125,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Soft Whisper, Frankie Dettori, Saeed bin Suroor
9.25pm Handicap (TB) $68,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner Bedouin’s Story, Frankie Dettori, Saeed bin Suroor
Women%E2%80%99s%20T20%20World%20Cup%20Qualifier
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AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
