Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to arrive in UK today in first visit since Russian invasion
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will arrive in the UK today to meet Rishi Sunak and Ukrainian troops, the prime minister’s office has said.
It is his first visit to the UK since Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year.
He has only made one other trip out of Ukraine since then, when he went to the United States and stopped over in Poland on the way back just before Christmas.
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Mr Zelenskyy and Mr Sunak will discuss the UK’s support for Ukraine, starting with an “immediate surge” of military equipment being sent to the country by the UK and the prime minister will reinforce his long-term support.
The UK is also set to announce further Russian sanctions today, targeting those who have helped Vladimir Putin build his personal wealth, and companies who are profiting from the Kremlin’s “war machine”.
In December, Mr Sunak travelled to Kyiv for the first time since becoming prime minister in October where he pledged a £50 million package to bolster Ukrainian air defence.
On Wednesday, Mr Sunak will offer to bolster the UK’s training for Ukrainian troops, including to fighter jet pilots so they can fly NATO-standard fighter jets, Number 10 said.
He will also offer to begin an immediate training programme for marines.
The UK has already been training 10,000 Ukrainian troops over the past six months and is planning to train 20,000 more this year as part of an international effort to scale up training of Ukrainian troops.
Downing Street said Mr Sunak will also offer to provide Ukraine with longer-range capabilities to “disrupt Russia’s ability to continually target Ukraine’s civilian and critical national infrastructure”.
Mr Sunak said: “President Zelenskyy’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.
“It also underlines our commitment to not just provide military equipment for the short term, but a long-term pledge to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine for years to come.”
