Ukraine and Russia

Debate between Lord Coaker and Lord Berkeley of Knighton

Tuesday 15th September 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Coaker (Lab)]

The bravery and courage of the Ukrainian people cannot be overstated. They are simply immense. This is a point that I have made before, but I am going to make it again: Russia did not attack Ukraine when it did in the belief that years later it would still be fighting. It believed, as I am sure a former ambassador would say, that three or so days after the attack it was going to be in Kyiv and would install a pro-Russian Government there. It did not attack in the belief that it would be where it is now, with 1.5 million casualties. God knows how much money it has cost. It is to the immense credit of the Ukrainian people that that has remained possible, not only in the face of the initial invasion but in the way in which they have continued to stand firm, as they have done. I agree with my noble friend that we need not only to support them in their war effort but to continue to discuss and work with them on what will happen in the future. However, the immediate priority is to secure the sovereignty of their country.

[Lord Berkeley of Knighton (CB)]

I would like us just for a moment to concentrate on the incredible loss of human life in this conflict. The Minister mentioned the economic cost to Russia and, indeed, the human cost just now. It is worth remembering that Russia has suffered 1.5 million casualties, compared with about 125,000 to 150,000 on the Ukrainian side. Of course, all are to be lamented. It is worth noting that the cost to Russia has been astonishing. One has to think a little bit, on whichever side these people are, about the awful cost for families and people and the tragedy of all these lives that have been lost.

[Lord Coaker (Lab)]

We all deplore the loss of life. We are all human. We reflect on the casualties, the killed and the wounded, and the impact psychologically on many people. We do not always talk about the numbers of casualties in Ukraine but the level of suffering is clear, and all of that is important for us to remember. There is only one person responsible for the invasion of Ukraine and, as far as I can see, that person is responsible for the consequences. We all hope that, as soon as possible, we will get a ceasefire that is acceptable to Ukraine and the slaughter and killing will stop.