Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the UK on Wednesday for its “great support from the early days of Russia’s full-scale invasion” of his country before meeting British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Downing Street.
Zelensky said his visit was a “great honour” as he spoke a few words on camera in the London Prime Minister’s office.
There Sunak personally received the president who arrived in a British Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft.
“Welcome to British President Zelenskyy,” the British Prime Minister wrote on Twitter, along with a photo with the Ukrainian president on Downing Street.
Hours later, Zelensky appeared before the British Parliament and expressed his gratitude for the “helping hand” the United Kingdom has had with his country since the start of the war on February 24, 2022.
He reaffirmed his support for former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who attended his performance at Westminster Hall along with hundreds of MPs, Lords and journalists.
Ukraine’s president used his intervention to push for his demand for fighter jets to win the war against Russia.
“Fighters for Ukraine, wings for freedom,” said the president, repeatedly pointing to the need for Western powers to provide these fighters and additional airborne self-defense support.
London was his first stop on his second overseas trip since Russia invaded Ukraine. An EU diplomat said Zelensky will travel to Brussels on Thursday, where the block contains a weapon.
Selensky too. He intended to meet King Charles III. Go to parliament and see the training of Ukrainian troops in Britain.
“President Zelenskyy’s visit to the UK is a testament to his country’s courage, determination and struggle and a testament to the unbreakable friendship between our two countries,” Sunak said in a statement.
Sunak’s office announced additional sanctions against Russia, as well as plans to speed up the shipment of military equipment to Kiev. For the first time, the Ukrainian Air Force and Marines are admitted to the British training program.
“The training will ensure that future pilots will be able to fly advanced combat aircraft that meet NATO standards,” he said.
With information from Reuters and EFE
Source: La Neta Neta
Karen Clayton is a seasoned journalist and author at The Nation Update, with a focus on world news and current events. She has a background in international relations, which gives her a deep understanding of the political, economic and social factors that shape the global landscape. She writes about a wide range of topics, including conflicts, political upheavals, and economic trends, as well as humanitarian crisis and human rights issues.
