Volodymyr Zelenskiy was embraced by the UK prime minister, Rishi Sunak, as the Ukrainian president arrived in the UK for his first visit since the Russian invasion.
Sunak announced the visit with a pledge of additional military support and training, as well as a number of new sanctions, including a Russian drone manufacturer and military manufacturers. The visit will mark the second time Zelenskiy has left Ukraine since the start of the war.
Shortly after the pair met in Downing Street, the Labour leader, Keir Starmer, used prime minister’s questions to emphasise support from across the House of Commons for Ukraine. Zelenskiy will address MPs in Westminster Hall, meet King Charles and then visit troops training in the UK.
At PMQs, Sunak said the “entire house came together to stand by Ukraine when the moment mattered and … we will continue to stand with them united as one parliament and one United Kingdom”.
Zelenskiy landed at Stansted airport on Wednesday morning and drove with Sunak to Downing Street for a brief meeting. They shook hands again on the steps of No 10 and, in a break with protocol, staff applauded as Zelenskiy entered the building.
Zelenskiy, who made brief remarks saying he had a “very good relationship” with Sunak, was accompanied by a large delegation of civilian and military officials who entered No 10 moments later, also to applause.
Upon landing at Stansted, Zelenskiy posted on Telegram: “The United Kingdom was one of the first to come to Ukraine’s aid. And today I’m in London to personally thank the British people for their support and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for his leadership.”
At PMQs, Starmer said the Commons was honoured to be addressed by Zelenskiy. “He has symbolised the heroism, the resolve and the bravery of his people,” Starmer said.
The Labour leader said he and Sunak had lived through important moments in domestic and national politics. “But none of those experiences compares to the pain and suffering of the people of Ukraine … it is vital that we all continue to stand together in full support of Ukraine.”
Sunak has announced plans to train Ukrainian pilots, paving the way for them to fly sophisticated Nato-standard jets, a request from Zelenskiy.
Before the visit, Sunak said: “President Zelenskiy’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.”
The expansion of the UK’s training programme to include jet fighter pilots is significant as Zelenskiy has repeatedly called on western countries to supply planes. The UK has so far refused, arguing that the RAF’s F-35 and Typhoon jets take too long for pilots to train on.
The announcement by No 10 signals a shift for the future, and officials said that “as part of that long-term capability investment” the UK would work with Ukraine and international allies “to coordinate collective support to meet Ukraine’s defensive needs”.
Ukrainian troops are being trained in the use of Challenger 2 tanks, which are expected to be sent to the country next month.
Sunak will offer longer-range firepower to help counter Russia’s ability to strike at Ukrainian towns and energy facilities.
The UK also announced new sanctions targeting people who have helped Vladimir Putin build his personal wealth, as well as firms that have profited from the war.
Individuals placed under sanctions include the presidential commissioner for entrepreneur’s rights, Boris Titov, and the owner of Aerostart, Viktor Myachin, who the Foreign Office said were connected to Putin through “opaque financial networks”.
Another on the list is Putin’s alleged former lover Svetlana Krivonogikh, who worked as a cleaner in the 1990s before allegedly meeting Putin in St Petersburg. The Pandora Papers leak revealed how she rapidly grew rich and acquired several properties, including a luxury flat in Monaco.
