Home Secretary hold meeting with ‘Five Eyes’ counterparts

Home Secretary Priti Patel has chaired a virtual meeting to discuss issues relating to Ukraine with security counterparts from the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

The ‘Five Eyes’ alliance analysed concerning developments in and around Ukraine and how to work together to protect domestic resilience and homeland security across the five countries. Together, they condemned Russia’s actions and reiterated that the international community should be united in its response.

Patel briefed her counterparts on the sanctions that Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced in response to the Russian aggression in Ukraine and underlined the need for like-minded countries to coordinate their response to this challenging situation. The ministers agreed that it would be especially important to continue cooperation on cyber defence, given increased potential for cyber-attacks, and to counter disinformation.

Patel said: “Our trusted Five Eyes partners represent a vital international alliance with whom we can work and collaborate to help protect our homelands and stand up to aggressors. The current situation in Ukraine is deeply concerning but by working with long-standing friends and allies, we are showing our solidarity with Ukraine and demonstrating that the international response to Russia’s actions will be united and robust.”