Rishi Sunak in Ukraine to discuss 'global security' with Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Rishi Sunak has visited Ukraine for the first time since becoming
prime minister, meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the
capital city, Kyiv.
The two world leaders discussed Ukraine's
military advances and reconstruction plans, and the British PM pledged a
£50 million package to bolster Ukrainian air defence.
The package comprises 125 anti-aircraft guns and technology to counter
Iranian-supplied drones, including dozens of radars intended to boost
anti-drone electronic warfare capability.
The UK will also increase training for Ukrainian's armed forces,
sending expert army medics and engineers to the region to offer
specialised support.
During his visit, Mr Sunak also laid flowers
at a memorial for the war dead, lit a candle at a memorial for victims
of the Holodomor famine, and met Ukrainian first responders including
emergency personnel at a fire station.
A No 10 spokesperson confirmed the prime minister's trip, saying: "The prime minister is in Ukraine today for his first visit to Kyiv to meet President Zelenskyy and confirm continued UK support."
Mr Sunak tweeted: "Britain knows what it means to fight for freedom. We are with you all the way."
Mr Sunak follows in the footsteps of former prime ministers Boris
Johnson and Liz Truss, pledging the UK's ongoing support for Ukraine
amid the Russian invasion.
The prime minister also used his
appearance at the G20 this week to join with allies and other Western
leaders to condemn Vladimir Putin's invasion.
