Lord Ashcroft has been a passionate supporter of Ukraine since before the country’s all-out war with Russia began in February 2022. After the all-out war, he stepped up his support for the eastern European country in various ways.
Lord Ashcroft has visited Ukraine many times since February 2022, including several visits to frontline cities, towns and villages. He has written numerous articles for British national newspapers and also blogs for the Conservative Home website.
As a philanthropist, Lord Ashcroft has made several substantial donations to charities and aid groups in Ukraine, including a £1.3 million donation announced in September 2024 to the Olena Zelenska Foundation, a charity founded and run by the First Lady of Ukraine. During the summer of 2024, he interviewed the First Lady for a major newspaper article and YouTube film.
In February 2024, Lord Ashcroft was sanctioned by Russia because of his support for Ukraine. He and other British officials, historians and academics were accused of spreading “Russophobia”.