![]() 'Without the weapons that we are discussing now and the weapons that we just discussed with Rishi earlier today and how Britain is going to help us, you know, all of this is very important. Mr Zelensky said: 'You've just asked me what would happen if we don't get these fighter jets or longer-range missiles, or we don't have enough ammunition, because everything obviously is running out and coming out of maintenance. However, a UK decision to offer planes would be symbolically important and put pressure on other countries to follow suit. While the UK operates F-35 and Typhoon jets, the older F-16s widely used by other Nato states have been seen as a better option and easier to deploy. He is due to meet EU leaders in Brussels today. Mr Zelensky said fighter jets had been discussed and reiterated his call for longer-range missiles. 'Of course they are part of the conversation', he said, but held back from giving a concrete commitment to provide fighter planes. Speaking alongside Mr Zelensky in front of a British tank, the PM said 'nothing is off the table' for Ukraine - including fighter-combat aircraft. In the meantime, the new UK training will 'ensure pilots are able to fly sophisticated Nato-standard fighter jets in the future', an earlier statement from Mr Sunak's office said. The Prime Minister's office said Mr Sunak had tasked Defence Secretary Ben Wallace with 'investigating what jets we might be able to give but, to be clear, this is a long-term solution rather than a short-term capability'. for combat aircrafts for Ukraine, wings for freedom.' Mr Zelensky enjoyed a ceremony-filled day in London, where he also met King Charles and addressed parliament.ĭressed in his usual green fatigues, he received waves of applause as he made a historic address to both the lower and upper houses of parliament on what was only his second overseas trip since the war began. 'They agreed that Ukraine's counter-offensive against the Russian invasion can and will prevail, heralding in a more secure future for Ukraine.'Īt a joint press conference with Volodymyr Zelensky following a tour of a training base for troops in Dorset, Rishi Sunak said the West must 'arm Ukraine in the short term' and 'bolster' it in the long-term 'That means providing the kind of advanced capabilities that the UK has announced today, and delivering the same level of equipment that was previously given in months in a matter of weeks. 'The leaders discussed the need to accelerate Ukraine's counter-offensive, backed by support from the UK and other allies. 'President Zelensky thanked the Prime Minister for his and the UK's enduring support, including today's announcement that the UK will start training to put Ukraine on the path to Nato-standard air combat capability, and that the UK will provide long-range weapons. The Prime Minister thanked the president for his visit and powerful address to Parliament. 'He paid tribute to President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people's courage and sacrifice. ![]() Offering a readout of the Prime Minister's talks in Downing Street with the Ukrainian leader, a No 10 spokeswoman said: 'The Prime Minister hosted President Zelensky for a bilateral meeting during his visit to the UK today. ![]() ![]() He said it was important Ukraine pilots can 'actually operate the aircraft that they will be using'. But he denied there was any reticence, adding: 'Throughout this conflict we have been out in front.' Mr Sunak has cautioned that it will take 'some time' to train Ukrainian fighter pilots. ![]()
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