London, May 15 (EFE).- The United Kingdom’s prime minister Rishi Sunak and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday discussed the eastern European nation’s “long-term” security and defense against Russia.
Zelenskyy met with Sunak at Chequers, the PM’s country residence, on the latest in a series of visits to Ukraine’s European allies to drum up more military support, ahead of a G7 summit this week.
“The conflict is at a pivotal moment. The UK will remain steadfast in supporting Ukraine and its people to defend itself,” Sunak told reporters after their meeting.
“It is important for the Kremlin to also know that we are not going away. We are here for the long term,” he added.
Zelenskyy repeated his request for fighter planes, calling for a “jet coalition” to help Ukraine defend its airspace against Russian strikes.
After the meeting, Sunak said his country would open “a new UK flying school” that will provide “Ukrainian pilots the training they need to handle different types of aircraft, enabling them to better defend their citizens against Russian aggression.”
Last week, the British government confirmed that it will send conventional long-range “Storm Shadows” missiles to Ukraine.
In addition, Downing Street said Monday that the UK will provide Ukraine with long-range drones, capable of covering 200 kilometers, which will be delivered in the coming months.
Zelenskyy also met last week with European leaders in Rome, Berlin and Paris. EFE
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