Harrogate MP witnesses 'reality of war' first-hand as he visits Ukraine as part of Westminster delegation
Harrogate’s MP says he was “deeply moved” by his visit to war-torn Ukraine as part of the largest cross-party delegation from Westminster since Russia’s invasion.
During the visit with fellow Westminster MPs across the parties, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon travelled to Kyiv and Odesa, meeting war veterans, Ukrainian parliamentarians, representatives from the Office of the President and local government leaders to hear how communities continue to live under the pressures of war.
Speaking afterwards, Mr Gordon described the visit as “deeply moving and inspiring,” highlighting the determination of injured veterans who remain committed to rebuilding and defending their country.
“Nothing could fully prepare me for witnessing the reality of this war first-hand,” said the Lib Dem MP.
"Meeting Ukrainian MPs, local leaders, and veterans brought home the extraordinary resilience and courage of the Ukrainian people.
While in Kyiv, Mr Gordon joined international leaders in Independence Square to commemorate those killed in the conflict, standing alongside President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a memorial ceremony honouring Ukraine’s fallen.
The delegation also visited a veterans’ rehabilitation centre supporting soldiers recovering from life-changing injuries sustained during the war.
Mr Gordon said the visit reinforced the importance of continued international cooperation and long-term support for Ukraine’s defence, recovery, and democratic institutions.
"This is not a distant conflict that has no impact on us in the UK,” said the Harrogate MP.
"Russia is actively seeking to undermine democratic nations, and the outcome of this war will shape the future security of Europe.
"The UK’s support for Ukraine must remain steadfast as we continue working with our allies towards a just and lasting peace.”
Since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the number of civilian deaths in Ukraine is put at nearly 14,000.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said that approximately 600,000 Ukrainian troops had been killed or wounded or were missing in total and nearly 1.2 million Russian troops.
Russia has seized 1.5 percent of Ukrainian territory since 2022 and occupies nearly 20 percent of the country.
Peace talks have made little progress since being launched in February.