Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday hailed Britain for supplying Ukraine with long range missiles as the US came under pressure to also send these weapons.
The Ukrainian president held private talks with Rishi Sunak at a Nato summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, after hitting out at the lack of a timetable for Kyiv to become a member of the alliance.
The UK has led the way in arming Ukraine, first with ant-tank weapons, then Challenger II tanks and now Storm Shadow long range missiles.
After the meeting, Mr Zelensky said: “Third meeting and third success for Ukraine at the summit today. Defence, politics, our common security. We thanked for the weapons, in particular long-range weapons and strong support for Ukraine on the way to Nato. And we are preparing security guarantees for Ukraine on the way to Nato.”
Joe Biden, who was also meeting the Ukrainian president today, is facing growing pressure to also send long range missiles, with Washington considering supplying the Army Tactical Missile System to boost Ukraine’s counter-offensive which is making slow progress.
The Prime Minister suggested a private meeting with Mr Zelensky, without Downing Street aides present, after he yesterday hit out at Nato member states saying it was “absurd” that only a “vague” commitment had been made about membership. The US and Germany are in particular being seen as reluctant to agree a fast-track path.
After photographs were taken at their meeting this morning, the PM asked Mr Zelensky: “Actually should we just spend some time alone?” Before the room was cleared, Mr Sunak was heard saying he was “proud” British forces had played a part in training Ukrainian soldiers.
Ahead of a series of meetings this morning, Mr Zelensky outlined Ukraine’s three priorities. “The first is new support packages for our army on the battlefield, he said. “The second, I believe, is an invitation to Nato. We need your understanding that we have this invitation for when the security situation allows it. And thirdly, today we will discuss security guarantees for Ukraine on the way to Nato.”
The US said it will begin negotiations with Ukraine on providing long-term security assistance.
It comes as Western countries today announced a broader framework to support Ukraine. Echoing a statement from Britain, a White House official said: “G7 leaders agree to enter bilateral negotiations with Ukraine to provide long-term security assistance and ensure they have a capable fighting force to deter Russian aggression in the future.”
Mr Zelensky did secure a promise of more Patriot launchers and missiles from Germany this morning, but no solid promise on Nato membership from Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
“We continued the conversation about security guarantees for Ukraine on the way to Nato with Chancellor Scholz,” he said. “There is an agreement on additional Patriot launchers and missiles for them from Germany. This is very important for protecting life in Ukraine from Russian terror. I am grateful for Germany’s readiness for long-term support.”
It comes as Vladimir Putin’s forces launched a wave of kamikaze drone attacks on Kyiv and other cities for a second night in row. Air raid sirens rang out for several hours as fighting continued while Nato leaders gathered for the summit which the Kremlin had criticised, warning that Moscow would respond to protect its own security.
