Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a surprise visit to the UK as he landed at the Stansted Airport, north of London, after he from a Royal Air Force C-17 transport plane. UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak warmly greeted Zelensky through a tweet message.
Welcome to the UK, President @ZelenskyyUa.
🇬🇧🇺🇦 #SlavaUkraini pic.twitter.com/rMoBTC3ken
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) February 8, 2023
The two leaders traveled to Downing Street together and Zelensky is all set to address the UK Parliament later. He will be one of the very few outsiders who have addressed the Parliament in person. Following the address, Zelensky will also meet Britain’s King Charles at Buckingham Palace as per schedule.
The main motive of this trip is believed to be to request aid to Ukraine amid the expected Russian attack in the coming month. Ukraine is desperate to acquire military support from Western allies as Moscow prepares for an attack in early spring as per Ukrainian officials.
Britain confirmed that it would send more military equipment to Kyiv to help counter a possible Russian as well as expand training to Ukrainian fighter pilots and marines, additionally promising a long-term investment in Ukraine’s military.
As per sources, the first official training program for Ukrainian pilots on Western fighter aircraft will take place soon when the UK will begin training Ukrainian pilots on NATO-standard fighter jets.
Earlier UK had refused to send its Typhoon or F-35 fighter jets to Ukraine, saying it was not “the right approach.” However, a recent announcement can lead to a possible change in attitudes in near future.
According to a Downing Street statement, “The Prime Minister will also offer to provide Ukraine with longer range capabilities. This will disrupt Russia’s ability to continually target Ukraine’s civilian and critical national infrastructure and help relieve pressure on Ukraine’s frontlines.”
The UK Prime Minister publicly stated,
“President Zelensky’s visit to the UK is a testament to his country’s courage, determination and fight, and a testament to the unbreakable friendship between our two countries.
“Since 2014, the UK has provided vital training to Ukrainian forces, allowing them to defend their country, protect their sovereignty and fight for their territory.”
“I am proud that today we will expand that training from soldiers to marines and fighter jet pilots, ensuring Ukraine has a military able to defend its interests well into the future.”
