WEST Somerset MP Rachel Gilmour returned from an ‘inspiring’ trip to Ukraine as part of the UK Friends of Ukraine Parliamentary delegation.

Mrs Gilmour was the only non-Government MP on the delegation and spent five days touring a number of sites in and around the Kyiv Oblast region, on a trip planned to deepen ties between the UK and Ukraine.

She visited a drone factory and military training centre, where she saw first-hand the cutting edge developments in the technology of drones produced to defend Ukrainian frontline troops.

Mrs Gilmour also attended the Yalta European Strategy (YES) Conference and was involved with senior UK and US officials and other international figures in roundtable discussions about the future of Ukraine and the fight against Russia’s invasion.

During the conference Mrs Gilmour also had a confidential meeting with a key advisor to President Zelensky to discuss a new wave of UK military support and the likely outcomes of the war.

Mrs Gilmour said she was ‘incredibly moved’ when visiting the Save Ukraine centre, an organisation which offers programmes for rescued children and families across the country.

This was followed by a visit to a rehabilitation hospital where she spoke with staff and injured soldiers.

Mrs Gilmour said: “I was privileged to be part of a UK Parliamentary delegation to Ukraine.

“Alongside other MPs, I saw first-hand the strength of the Ukrainian people, who are united in their defiance against Russian aggression.

“I was inspired by the resilience of local adults and children in Kyiv and incredibly moved by the touching tributes to loved ones lost during conflict.

“I know I speak for everybody here in the Tiverton and Minehead constituency when I say that we hope for a lasting and just peace settlement as soon as possible.

“We must continue to stand with Ukraine.”