The UK will seek to train Ukrainian pilots “as quickly as humanly possible”, Downing Street said yesterday. But Defence Secretary Ben Wallace appeared to suggest the training would not be completed until after hostilities with Russia were over.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky continued his push for European support yesterday (Thursday, February 9), addressing the European Parliament in Brussels in the latest stop on a tour which began with a surprise visit to the UK. Rishi Sunak, who promised further support for Ukraine during Mr Zelensky’s visit, said the offer of pilot training was the “first step” which could lead to the eventual supply of fighter planes.
“We’re talking about further support, potentially with aircraft as well,” the Prime Minister said. “The important first step of that journey is to make sure that we provide the training for Ukrainian pilots to be able to use that very sophisticated equipment.”
