Grant Shapps, the UK Secretary of Defence, has recorded a video from the centre of Kyiv in which he urges the world to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. 

"I’m the British Defence Secretary here in Kyiv to raise the alarm, because what would it say if we allow a democratic country to be taken over by a dictator like Putin? What would it say about our values of freedom and democracy?" Shapps said on Twitter (X).

He emphasised that this should not be the case and that the West can easily attract resources if it has the will.

"So the message is simple: this is our wake-up call for the world, let’s make sure Ukraine wins this war," Shapps said. 

In his note, he stated that the UK has gone above and beyond by providing Ukraine with the largest military support package ever.

"Every nation must now do the same and ensure freedom triumphs over tyranny," Shapps concluded.

I’m in Kyiv to raise the alarm to the democratic world – we must make sure Ukraine wins this war.

The UK has stepped up to do more than ever, with our largest military support package to date. Every nation must now do the same and ensure freedom triumphs over tyranny. pic.twitter.com/DYbOcCUkho

— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) March 8, 2024

Grant Shapps, the UK Secretary of State for Defence, arrived in Ukraine on 7 March and met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Shapps announced the allocation of £325 million (about €380 million) to purchase over 10,000 drones for Ukraine’s Armed Forces during his visit to Kyiv.

Read Grant Shapps' speech on why 2024 will be critical for Ukraine and the world.