Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met with newly appointed British Prime Minister Andy Burnham at a British naval base on Monday, and the 2 mentioned joint manufacturing of drones and Kiev’s pressing want for ballistic missile interceptors to defend towards escalating Russian assaults.
The assembly passed off aboard the plane service Queen Elizabeth, which is docked in Portsmouth on England’s south coast.
Burnham informed Zelenskiy: “You’re the first chief I’ve personally welcomed since taking workplace. That’s no coincidence.”
“That is meant to ship a really clear message: We’re working with Ukraine 100%, and I’m personally working with you 100%, and we totally respect each dedication that this nation has made to Ukraine.”
President Zelenskiy stated relations between the 2 international locations had been “stronger than ever.”
Burnham stated they’d “mentioned at size” Kiev’s want for extra interceptors to shoot down Russian ballistic missiles, “notably in mild of Ukraine defending important nationwide infrastructure over the winter.”
“We have now eliminated some issues and we’ll observe up with our companions going ahead,” Burnham stated after the assembly.
Russia has stepped up assaults on gasoline infrastructure, energy services and different important services this yr as a part of a broader operation aimed toward straining Ukraine’s logistics and vitality networks.
President Zelenskiy informed X that the assembly additionally targeted on “joint protection manufacturing.” Britain and Ukraine have already agreed to work collectively on drone improvement, and Zelensky informed Sky Information forward of the assembly that he desires to arrange a “large, large manufacturing facility” within the UK.
The 2 leaders additionally met with greater than 200 Ukrainian navy personnel who’re participating in a three-week coaching train within the UK aimed toward strengthening fight capabilities and counter-mining operations within the Black Sea, the British authorities stated.
Zelensky is scheduled to go to US President Donald Trump in Washington on Tuesday.
