Significant personnel changes have occurred within the British government, directly impacting national security and foreign policy. Wes Streeting has been appointed as Defence Secretary, a politician whose career in recent months has been marked by sharp turns and principled decisions. His appointment signals that support for Ukraine remains a priority for London, regardless of internal political struggles.

The Path to the Ministry of Defence: From Protest to Responsibility

The story of Wes Streeting in Keir Starmer's government is an example of political principle. Previously, while serving as Health Secretary, Streeting resigned in May. This step was taken as a protest against the actions of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the leadership of the Labour Party. However, the political situation has changed, and now Streeting returns to a key position, but in a new capacity.

Commenting on his appointment, the new Defence Secretary published a statement on the social network X. He emphasized that it is a great honor for him to lead the department responsible for the country's defense. In his message, Streeting formulated two main tasks: ensuring the armed forces have the necessary resources and supporting international allies, primarily Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Question as a London Priority

Streeting's appointment came as no surprise to those following his public stance. The British politician has repeatedly stated his support for Kyiv. In February 2025, he publicly emphasized that aid to Ukraine is not just a humanitarian mission, but a matter of national security for the United Kingdom and all of Europe. His words indicate that a consensus has formed within the British elite: support for Ukraine is necessary for stability on the continent.

The Prime Minister and the 'UNBROKEN Cities' Network

The course of supporting Ukraine is set not only by the new Defence Secretary but also by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Andrew Burnham. Burnham is known as a staunch supporter of Kyiv and is one of the founders of the global support network for Ukrainian cities — the UNBROKEN Cities Network.

This initiative unites twin cities that help each other restore infrastructure and support communities. The network includes Ukrainian cities Lviv and Bucha, as well as English Liverpool and Manchester. Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovsky highly praised Burnham's contribution, calling him a true friend of the city who has always been there during the most difficult times.

Global Scale of Support

The UNBROKEN Cities Network demonstrates that support for Ukraine is international in nature. In addition to British and Ukrainian cities, the initiative includes:

  • Germany: Frankfurt am Main, Würzburg, Düsseldorf;
  • France: Lyon and Cannes;
  • Belgium: Mechelen;
  • Denmark: Aarhus;
  • Norway: Oslo;
  • Poland: Rzeszów;
  • Romania: Timișoara;
  • Bulgaria: Sofia;
  • Italy: Trento;
  • Taiwan: Kaohsiung;
  • USA: Cleveland;
  • Latvia: Riga.

Such a wide list of participants underscores that the UK is not acting alone but is coordinating efforts with partners around the world. Notably, support for Ukraine in the UK is backed not only by the incumbent Prime Minister but also resonates across different political circles, creating a solid foundation for long-term cooperation.