On Friday 24 February, Alicia Kearns MP visited Kyiv, Ukraine, with fourteen other Chairs of Foreign Affairs Committees from around the world to mark the one-year anniversary of Russia's renewed invasion of Ukraine. 

During the visit, Alicia met with President Zelensky, and Ukraine's Defence Secretary, Ukrainian War Heroes, Energy Minister and Ukrainian Parliamentarians.

They discussed the acceleration of international support for Ukraine, accountability, Zelensky's 'peace formula' and actions being taken to push Russian Forces out of Ukraine to end the killing of civilians. Alicia also visited the liberated territories of Bucha and Irpin. 

Ms Kearns discussed support for Ukraine. Image credit: Office of Alicia Kearns MP.

Alicia thanked President Zelensky and the people of Ukraine for fighting on behalf of all our freedoms. 

Alicia Kearns MP, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Melton said: "As we marked 365 days of renewed Russian aggression, it was an honour to be in Kyiv to thank our Ukrainian allies for fighting for all our freedoms. This anniversary was not a day to celebrate, but to remember all those killed, reflect on the failure to deter Putin and commit again to Ukraine's freedom."

Officials came from across the world. Image credit: Office of Alicia Kearns MP.

She added: "I was honoured to pay the respects of the people of Rutland, Melton, the Vale and Harborough Villages and discuss with President Zelensky what more the people of Ukraine need. 

"Despite the horrifying brutality witnessed, Putin's hatred has forged new alliances and friendships across the globe and strengthened our resolve to defend the international rules-based order. 

"After a year of mass murder, rape, torture and targeting of civilians, we must recommit to do everything we can to stand by our Ukrainian friends and give them the freedom that they deserve. We cannot allow more loss of life and it sits with us to end this."

Image credit: Office of Alicia Kearns MP.