13 Feb 25. Chair statement: War in Ukraine. Defence Committee responds to recent statements on the war in Ukraine . The Defence Committee has issued a response to recent statements on the war in Ukraine. Chair of the Defence Committee, Tan Dhesi MP, said: “I come fresh from a Defence Committee visit to our close allies Estonia and Finland, both of which border Russia, on the front line of Europe’s security and our security. It is clear from last night’s statements from the US that Europe will now have to play a greater role in the defence of Ukraine and in guaranteeing Ukraine’s security. We count on the UK Government to show leadership in this. If we don’t support Ukraine, Russia will be emboldened.”