33 years ago today, Ukraine issued their Declaration of Independence. It was a promise of a brighter, more prosperous future as a sovereign democracy, free from the control of Soviet Russia.

Today, the Ukrainians mark their Independence Day with war. This is an existential fight. A fight to remain a free and independent nation in the face of Putin’s brutal illegal invasion.

Ukraine has always been the underdog against Russia’s massively bigger forces and resources. Today, we salute the Ukrainian people. They continue to fight with huge courage, military and civilians alike. They fight for freedoms that we ourselves must never take for granted.

We must ensure our Ukrainian friends know that we will stand steadfast by their side for as long as it takes.  And we will not be silent in the face of Putin’s aggression.

That’s why today, the UK is leading a campaign calling on people across Britain, and beyond, to let Ukrainians know they have our support. On social media we ask you to ‘make noise for Ukraine.’ and share those posts that do so. Because alongside the military and economic support that we offer to Ukraine, we have also offered our friendship and solidarity. Including the thousands of British families who have welcomed Ukrainians into their homes.

I am proud the UK is still united for Ukraine, over 900 days after Putin's full-scale invasion.

As President Zelenskyy and his people continue their fight, our new UK government has stepped up Britain’s support and made clear our unwavering commitment to stand by Ukraine for however long it takes.

At the NATO summit in Washington, Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed we will provide £3 billion a year in support to Ukraine for as long as it takes. We are supplying anti-tank missiles, artillery and armoured vehicles to help push back Putin.

On a visit to Ukraine shortly after becoming Defence Secretary, I ordered a new package of military kit to be sent from Britain, together with the faster delivery of existing orders. A few weeks later, we welcomed President Zelenskyy to the UK – the first foreign leader in decades to sit at the UK Cabinet table – while I signed a new defence export treaty with Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov. And we remain in ongoing dialogue with the Ukrainians and our allies about how best to support Ukraine’s military effort.

Ukraine must prevail in this war. And all of us who support Ukraine should not shy away from helping them to do so – despite Putin's threats.

This isn’t just critically important for the people of Ukraine. The defence of Europe, and ultimately the UK, starts on the frontlines that run through Ukraine, because if Putin succeeds in his aims there, he will not stop.

Ukraine’s defensive operation in Kursk is a reminder to all Ukraine's supporters that wars can shift at short notice, and continued military support for Ukraine remains as crucial as ever.  It has sown doubt inside Russia, exposing Putin’s Kremlin cabal to the consequences of their aggression.

And it has boosted morale among the Ukrainian people, whose extraordinary resilience over the past two and half years has earned the admiration of the world.

Putin’s complaints that Ukraine’s offensive is a "provocation" are akin to a playground bully protesting because his smaller victim has had the temerity to fight back.

Ukraine has the right to defend itself against Russia’s illegal attacks, including the option to carry out incursions within Russia, as long as they are compliant with international law. And we can be proud that British weapons are helping Ukraine protect itself and push back Putin’s forces.

Russia can have no objections.

Today, on Ukrainian Independence Day, we send a message that the UK will never forget the heroic people and brave armed forces of Ukraine.  That Britain and our NATO allies will stand together with the Ukrainian nation against Putin’s unprovoked invasion. And that our national security begins on Ukraine’s frontline.

Until Russian guns are silent, we will make noise for Ukraine. We will stand by Ukraine. For as long as it takes.

Slava Ukraini.