Ukrainian President
Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Britain Wednesday to meet with officials there as
he made his second confirmed trip outside of Ukraine since Russia launched an
invasion of the country nearly one year ago.
Zelenskyy’s
schedule included addressing Britain’s parliament and visiting Ukrainian troops
who are training with British forces. Buckingham Palace said Zelenskyy will
visit King Charles at his royal residence in London.
British
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also announced that Britain would train Ukrainian
pilots on “NATO-standard fighter jets.” He noted Britain would accelerate its
contributions of military equipment to Ukraine.
“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," Sunak said. "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.”
Britain
has already been training Ukrainian troops, including on the use of British
Challenger 2 tanks that Britain is providing in response to Ukraine’s calls for
heavier equipment to counter Russian forces.
Germany,
Denmark and the Netherlands said Tuesday they are planning to send at least 100
older, refurbished Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine.
📝 (Reuters/VOA)
