British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss confirmed London's intention to provide food supplies totaling 2 million pounds sterling ($2.64 million) for residents of cities besieged by Russian troops in response to a request from the Ukrainian government.

This was stated in a press release from the British government.

Provisions from warehouses in Poland and Slovakia should be sent to Ukraine from the beginning of next week - the shipments will go to the most affected areas.

"It is estimated that more than 12 million people are currently in need of humanitarian aid across Ukraine, but the actual figure is probably much higher," the release said.

This vital donation of food and supplies "will help support the Ukrainian people in the face of Russia's barbaric invasion," according to Britain's foreign minister.

"Our teams are working day and night with our Polish and Slovak friends and the Ukrainian government to ensure that those most at risk receive the basic necessities they need," the minister said.

Earlier, Britain's Foreign Office said that sanctions against Russia could be lifted only after troops are withdrawn from Ukraine.