Britain will lead the world in rebuilding war-ravaged Ukraine, vows Liz Truss

BRITAIN will play a key role in rebuilding war-ravaged Ukraine, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss is to pledge.

It will coordinate plans and help raise cash from around the world.

Funds from a summit hosted by the UK next year will be earmarked for repairing or replacing shattered buildings, restoring infrastructure and clearing mines.

Ms Truss believes it shows “long haul” support to resist Vladimir Putin’s bloody invasion.

She will tell a recovery conference in Switzerland today that the UK will “do everything possible to ensure Ukraine wins the war and recovers”.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked the UK to champion the rebuilding the capital of Kyiv and the surrounding region, according to the Foreign Office.

But any such attempts are made more challenging by the ability of Putin’s war machine to strike the city with missiles while making creeping advances in the east.

Ms Truss will say: “Ukraine’s recovery from Russia’s war of aggression will be a symbol of the power of democracy over autocracy.

“It will show Putin his attempts to destroy Ukraine have only produced a stronger, more prosperous and more united nation.

“The UK is resolute in its support of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and will remain at its side as it emerges as a strong, thriving and cutting-edge democracy.

“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 moves to host next year’s recovery conference as the Government commits to a Marshall Plan-style programme, echoing the one used to rebuild Europe after the Second World War.

She will add: “The UK will do everything possible to ensure Ukraine wins the war and recovers. We need to be in this for the long haul.”