Ukrainian President Zelenskyy holds talks with PM and King today in first UK visit since Russian invasion

The visit is Volodymyr Zelenskyy's second trip abroad since Russia invaded Ukraine a year ago and will involve the UK offering further support in the form of training, equipment and Russian sanctions.

zelensky visits uk

Political reporter @alixculbertson

Wednesday 8 February 2023 14:45, UK

Rishi Sunak and Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held talks with Rishi Sunak before meeting the King and Ukrainian troops during a surprise visit to the UK.

He was greeted by the prime minister at Stansted Airport after landing just before 10.30am on Wednesday for his first visit to the UK since Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year.

Both leaders travelled in a cavalcade to Downing Street where Mr Zelenskyy was greeted by clapping behind the doors of Number 10, a tradition usually reserved for new prime ministers.

Kremlin warns NATO of 'unpredictable level of escalation' - latest Ukraine war updates

The Ukrainian leader thanked Mr Sunak for inviting him and said it was a "great honour" to be in the UK as he thanked Britain for "all your big support from the first days of the full-scale invasion", adding he has "very good relations with Rishi".

Mr Zelenskyy has only made one other trip out of Ukraine since the invasion started, when he went to the United States and stopped over in Poland on the way back just before Christmas.

He addressed MPs and peers in parliament where he called for the UK to send fighter jets to Ukraine, before meeting King Charles at Buckingham Palace ahead of meeting Ukrainian troops training in the UK.

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Mr Zelenskyy and Mr Sunak discussed the UK's support for Ukraine, with Mr Sunak promising an "immediate surge" of military equipment to the country by the UK.

Shortly after Mr Zelenskyy landed, the UK announced further Russian sanctions, including against six entities providing military equipment, such as drones, to Russia, and eight individuals and one entity connected to "nefarious financial networks" helping maintain "wealth and power amongst Kremlin elites", the government said.

In December, Mr Sunak travelled to Kyiv for the first time since becoming prime minister in October where he pledged a £50 million package to boost Ukrainian air defence.

His predecessor, Boris Johnson, had a very close relationship with Mr Zelenskyy and was one of Ukraine's most vocal backers.

zelensky visits uk

Fighter jet pilot training

Mr Zelenskyy will head to Paris after his UK visit where he will meet Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

There are expectations the Ukrainian leader might also make his first visit to European Union institutions since the war began, as leaders gather for a summit in Brussels on Thursday. However, this has not been confirmed.

On Wednesday, Mr Sunak offered to bolster the UK's training for Ukrainian troops, including to fighter jet pilots so they can fly NATO-standard fighter jets, Number 10 said.

He also offered to begin an immediate training programme for marines.

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The UK has already trained 10,000 Ukrainian troops over the past six months and is planning to train 20,000 more this year as part of an international effort to scale up training of Ukrainian troops.

Downing Street said Mr Sunak also offered to provide Ukraine with longer-range capabilities to "disrupt Russia's ability to continually target Ukraine's civilian and critical national infrastructure".

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Britain's new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visit at an exhibition displaying destroyed Russian military vehicles, amid Russia's invasion, in central Kyiv

Mr Sunak said: "President Zelenskyy'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."

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February 8, 2023 - Russia-Ukraine news

By Kathleen Magramo , Aditi Sangal , Adrienne Vogt , Leinz Vales , Mike Hayes, Tori B. Powell and Maureen Chowdhury , CNN

Zelensky to visit UK on Wednesday, Downing Street says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will on Wednesday make his first visit to the United Kingdom since the Russian invasion of his country, Downing Street said.

The surprise trip will see Zelensky meet Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, visit Ukrainian troops who are being trained by British forces, and address Parliament.

Zelensky's visit to London is only his second outside his country since Russia invaded Ukraine almost a year ago, following his visit to Washington DC in December.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak meanwhile announced that his country will expand training to fighter pilots and marines while also promising a long-term investment in Ukraine's military.

Sunak said: "President Zelensky'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."

Ukraine says new Russian offensive could include Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia

From CNN's Mick Krever in London

Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, gives an interview in Kyiv, Ukraine, on February 7.

Ukraine’s top national security official told Reuters that a renewed Russian offensive could include attempts to capture the cities of Kharkiv or Zaporizhzhia — major urban centers that Russian forces have never held. 

"Attempts at an offensive in either the Kharkiv or Zaporizhzhia direction will of course be made," Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council,  told Reuters . "How successful they'll be will depend on us."

Russia controls a large portion of the Zaporizhzhia region, but has never captured the city itself. Both Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia have come under regular missile fire from Russia over the course of the past year.

In an interview with CNN on Monday, Danilov conceded that Ukraine was "concerned" about a Russian offensive. 

Some context: As the one year anniversary of Russia's invasion approaches this month, experts are concerned that Russia might intensify its assault in coming weeks.

"Our common goal is victory:" Zelensky thanks Biden for State of the Union address

From CNN's Yulia Kesaieva in Kyiv

U.S. President Joe Biden delivers his State of the Union address at the U.S. Capitol on February 7, in Washington, DC.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday thanked Joe Biden for voicing his support for Ukraine during the US President's State of the Union address to Congress.

“Thank you @POTUS for the powerful words of support for [Ukraine] while addressing the nation,” Zelensky said on Twitter. “We are grateful for [America’s] leadership in helping [Ukraine], for solidarity of the entire [American] people. Our values ​​are the same, our common goal is victory. [Ukraine] freely chooses its future. It is & will be so!”

Last year, Biden delivered his State of the Union speech just days after Russian leader Vladimir Putin launched his brutal war against Ukraine. And in his address Tuesday, Biden reaffirmed the US' continued support for Kyiv.

"A murderous assault, evoking images of the death and destruction Europe suffered in World War II," Biden said . "Putin’s invasion has been a test for the ages. A test for America. A test for the world."

Russian missile attack destroys buildings in Kharkiv, military official says

From CNN's Yulia Kesaieva in Kyiv and Mick Krever

Ukraine's northeastern city of Kharkiv was hit by Russian missile attacks on Tuesday night, according to the region’s leader.

Oleh Syniehubov, head of the Kharkiv regional military administration, said on Telegram that strikes by four missiles, believed to be S-300s destroyed buildings near the city's central park area.

“Yesterday about 11 p.m. the enemy conducted a missile strike on the Kharkiv city center,” Syniehubov said Wednesday, adding no casualties were reported.

The Soviet-era S-300, designed to take down combat aircraft, has been crudely repurposed by Russia to hit ground targets during its war on Ukraine..

Ukraine's foreign minister speaks with Blinken ahead of Russian invasion anniversary

Ukraine's Foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba addresses the press during a NATO meeting in Bucharest on November 29, 2022.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Tuesday that he had spoken with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken about preparations for the first anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of his country.

“Focused call with @SecBlinken on new military aid, new sanctions on Russia, and the preparations of important events as Russian full-scale invasion nears one-year mark,” Kuleba  said on Twitter . “Russia would be making a grave mistake if it thought anyone would get tired of fighting the evil it brings.”

Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, sending troops into its former Soviet neighbor from three fronts and firing missiles on several locations near the capital, Kyiv.

Ukrainian officials report at least 6 explosions in Kharkiv

From CNN's Kostan Nechyporenko and Mitchell McCluskey

Ukrainian officials are reporting at least six explosions in Kharkiv on Tuesday.

"Enemy missile hits were spotted in the central part of Kharkiv. Preliminary, 6 to 10 S-300 missiles," said Oleh Syniehubov, head of the Kharkiv region military administration. “Information about the victims and the extent of the damage is being clarified," Syniehubov added, urging residents to stay in shelters.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said Tuesday that an industrial facility in the Kyivsky district of the city was hit by a strike.

Ukraine dismisses Russia's claims of controlling several settlements in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia

From CNN's Kostan Nechyporenko in Kyiv

Ukrainian servicemen fire a rocket towards Russian positions on a frontline near the town of Marinka, Donestsk Oblast, on Tuesday.

The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine on Tuesday dismissed Russia's claims that it has taken control of several small settlements in the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.  

Ukraine said "their capture by the enemy has not been confirmed at this time" and that "the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to defend each of these areas."

Earlier on Tuesday, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Russia's "operations are successfully developing" near the key towns of Bakhmut and Vuhledar, and that Russian forces have taken control of several small settlements in the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.

CNN is unable to independently verify those claims.

Shoigu also said Russia has full control of Soledar, which the Ukrainian Armed Forces announced their withdrawal from in January. 

The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine also criticized Shoigu for touting the "achievements" of the Russian Armed Forces, arguing that Russian private military contractor Wagner is actively involved in combat in those areas. 

Ukrainian forces doing all they can to save Bakhmut, military official says

From CNN's Tim Lister and Kostan Nechyporenko

A Ukrainian serviceman drives a car in Bakhmut on February 2.

Pavlo Kyrylenko, head of Donetsk region military administration, on Monday spoke of the increase in Russian forces along parts of the front line in the eastern region.

"There is accumulation of occupation troops and of what is left of the self-proclaimed DPR/LPR," he told Radio Liberty, referring to Moscow-backed separatists. "We are working day and night to strengthen our fortifications and defense line to repel the enemy and refrain them from fulfilling their plans."

Asked whether Bakhmut would fall, Kyrylenko said: "We are not ruling out any scenarios....All measures are being taken not to let that happen."

"No-one will use Ukrainian defenders as cannon fodder. As of now, Bakhmut is standing. We are doing all possible to destroy as many enemies as possible," he added.

Kyrylenko claimed that "almost 52% of Donetsk region is now controlled by Ukrainian government, Ukrainian Armed Forces."

He said approximately 500,000 civilians remain in parts of Donetsk controlled by Ukrainian forces, compared to 1.8 million just before the invasion.

Geolocated videos support the claim by a Russian military blogger that Russian forces have made incremental advances into Kharkiv region, northeast of the town of Kupyansk, which was recaptured by the Ukrainians in September. The videos show Ukrainian shelling of Russian troops in the town of Dvorichne, which was until recently in Ukrainian hands. 

Ukraine appoints new governors in 3 regions 

From CNN's Maria Kostenko and Victoria Butenko in Kyiv

The Ukrainian government approved the appointment of three new regional governors on Tuesday, according to the Office of the President. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed decrees appointing the following officials:

  • Serhiy Lysak  is the new governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region.
  • Yurii Malashko  will govern the Zaporizhzhia region.
  • Oleksandr Prokudin  has been appointed governor of the Kherson region.

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Sunak embraces Zelensky on Ukraine leader’s surprise UK trip - as PM pledges more missiles and drones

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Volodymyr Zelensky was greeted with a hug by Rishi Sunak after arriving in Britain to seek more support for his country’s war effort - as the UK vowed to provide Ukraine with air defence missiles and attack drones.

The Ukrainian president met his “friend”, the prime minister, as part of a trip around Europe pressing western allies for more military aid.

Mr Sunak welcomed Mr Zelensky to country retreat Chequers - the first time he has hosted a visiting leader at the Buckinghamshire mansion - before the two leaders held talks.

The two leaders had discussed western fighter jets, Mr Zelensky said, and he anticipated “very important decisions” to be made soon. It came as No 10 said Britain would send hundreds of air defence missiles and further unmanned aerial systems to the war-torn country.

“Welcome back”, the prime minister said in a post on Twitter, which included a photo of the two leaders in a warm embrace. Mr Zelensky, who has also held meetings in Paris, Berlin and Rome, had also visited the UK three months ago.

During the visit, Mr Sunak praised the Ukrainian leader’s fortitude, drawing a comparison between Mr Zelensky and Sir Winston Churchill during World War Two.

He also said the UK would be “sustaining our support” for Ukraine .

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“This is a crucial moment in Ukraine’s resistance to a terrible war of aggression they did not choose or provoke,” he said.

“They need the sustained support of the international community to defend against the barrage of unrelenting and indiscriminate attacks that have been their daily reality for over a year.

“We must not let them down.”

Following the pair’s talks, Mr Sunak said the UK will be ready to help train Ukrainian pilots to use Western fighter jets "relatively soon".

He said the provision of warplanes was "not straightforward" but that Britain will play a "key part" in a coalition of countries giving that support to the war-torn nation.

"It is not a straightforward thing as Volodymyr and I have been discussing to build up that fighter combat aircraft capability,” he said.

"It's not just the provision of planes its also the training of pilots and all the logistics that go alongside that and the UK can play a big part in that.

"One thing we will be doing starting actually relatively soon is training of Ukrainian pilots and that's something we've discussed today and we're ready to implement those plans in relatively short order."

Mr Zelensky said on Twitter that the UK is ‘a leader’ when it comes to expanding our capabilities on the ground and in the air

Mr Zelensky, meanwhile, said the two countries were “real partners”, with Mr Sunak knowing details of developments on the battlefield.

“We want to create this jets coalition and I’m very positive with it,” he said.

“We spoke about it and I see that in the closest time you will hear some, I think very important decisions but we have to work a little bit more on it.”

Mr Sunak’s spokesman said there are "no plans" to supply Ukraine with the Typhoon or F-35 jets operated by the UK and said the Ukrainian government identified the more widely-used F-16 as its Western fighter plane of choice.

Mr Sunak confirmed the UK will provide hundreds of air defence missiles and further unmanned aircraft including hundreds of new long-range attack drones. The government said they will be delivered in “the coming months” as Ukraine prepares to step up its resistance to the ongoing Russian invasion.

Last week the UK confirmed it will supply Ukraine with the long-range Storm Shadow missiles it requested for its fight against invading Russian forces.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (left) and Volodymyr Zelensky during the Ukrainian President’s last visit to the UK (Peter Nicholls/PA)

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the weapons will give Ukraine the “best chance” of defending itself.

The Kremlin said Russia takes an "extremely negative" view of Britain's decision to supply long-range Storm Shadow cruise missiles and other military hardware to Ukraine, but that it does not believe it will change the conflict's outcome.

The pair met in the Hawtrey Room, where Sir Winston made some of the radio addresses that helped keep up morale during the Second World War.

Mr Sunak said: “You are actually the first foreign leader I have had the privilege of welcoming here as Prime Minister and there’s a lot of great history here.

“In fact, this room that we are standing in, Winston Churchill made many of his famous speeches in World War Two from this room.

“And the same way today, your leadership, your country’s bravery and fortitude are an inspiration to us all.”

The visit comes days after Liverpool hosted Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine.

Zelensky and the Pope shook hands at the Vatican at the weekend

Mr Zelensky met Pope Francis in the Vatican last weekend, after Italy pledged its full support for Kyiv in its defence against the Russian invasion.

Earlier he met Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni, who condemned Russia’s “brutal and unjust aggression,” pledged Italy’s support for Ukraine for “as long as is necessary,” and urged Russia to immediately withdraw.

And Mr Zelensky made his first visit to Germany since Russia invaded Ukraine - where he was met with military honours by chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Berlin announced €2.7bn (£2.4bn) of military aid to Ukraine, its biggest such package yet, and pledged further support for Kyiv for as long as necessary.

The Ukrainian president and his team have been vigorously promoting Kyiv’s 10-point peace plan and urging world leaders to hold a Global Peace Summit based on the proposals.

It calls for restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity, the withdrawal of Russian troops and cessation of hostilities, and the restoration of Ukraine’s state borders. Mr Zelensky has repeatedly said the plan is not open to negotiations.

Mr Zelensky on Monday lauded "important and powerful" military aid from Britain, France and Germany, and said he was pleased with agreements reached during a tour of Europe.

"The priority (during our talks) was our counteroffensive actions, I am very pleased with the achievements and agreements," he said while visiting Mr Sunak.

  • Zelensky welcomed with military honours as he visits Germany for first time since Russian invasion
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After Moscow acknowledged on Friday that its forces had fallen back north of Ukraine’s battlefield city of Bakhmut, Britain’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) said Russian troops had likely withdrawn “in bad order”.

The MoD said Russia’s 72nd Separate Motor Rifle Brigade, established last Autumn, was dogged with allegations of poor morale and limited combat effectiveness and its deployment to Bakhmut reflected a severe shortage of credible combat units on Moscow’s part.

Mr Zelensky’s visit comes after two of Vladimir Putin’s military commanders were killed in eastern Ukraine, Russia’s military said, as it warned of a renewed effort by Kyiv’s forces to break through in the frontline city of Bakhmut.

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Britain promises more weapons for Ukraine as Zelensky continues his tour of Europe

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on a whirlwind European tour, pressed Britain on Monday to join a “fighter jet coalition” that would help strengthen his country’s aerial capabilities, but instead secured a commitment of hundreds more missiles and attack drones .

Zelensky landed by helicopter at Chequers, the British leader’s official country retreat, and was greeted by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak with a handshake and a hug. It’s Zelensky’s second trip to the U.K. since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

This is the fifth European country Zelensky has visited in the last three days, after Italy, the Vatican, Germany and France. He is seeking more military aid as Ukraine prepares a long-anticipated spring offensive to retake territory that Russia has seized.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow viewed London’s promise to supply Kyiv with more weapons “extremely negatively” but that the supplies wouldn’t drastically change the course of the war.

“Britain aspires to be at the forefront among countries that continue to pump weapons into Ukraine ,” Peskov said. “We repeat once again, it cannot yield any drastic and fundamental influence on the way the special military operation” — Russia’s euphemism for its war on Ukraine — “is unfolding. But, definitely, it leads to further destruction, further action.... It makes this whole story for Ukraine much more complicated.”

FILE - Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz, right, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy address a media conference at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, May 14, 2023. Zelenskyy set off across Europe with a long shopping list. Ukraine’ s president will head home with much of what he wanted – though not the Western fighter jets he seeks to defend against Russian air attacks. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, File)

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Zelensky said one of the missions of his European trip was to build a “fighter jet coalition” to provide Ukraine with vital aerial capabilities. He said more work was needed on that front.

Although the U.K. will not provide the planes, the prime minister said the country would join the coalition and begin a previously announced training program for Ukrainian fighter pilots as soon as this summer.

Britain has become one of Ukraine’s major military allies, sending Kyiv short-range missiles and Challenger tanks and training 15,000 Ukrainian troops on British soil. Last week Britain announced that it had sent Ukraine Storm Shadow cruise missiles, which have a range of more than 150 miles — the first known shipment of such weaponry, which Kyiv has long sought from its allies.

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Sunak’s office said it was giving Ukraine hundreds more air-defense missiles, as well as “long-range attack drones” with a range of more than 120 miles.

“This is a crucial moment in Ukraine’s resistance to a terrible war of aggression they did not choose or provoke,” Sunak said. “They need the sustained support of the international community to defend against the barrage of unrelenting and indiscriminate attacks that have been their daily reality for over a year.... We must not let them down.”

Sunak will also push allies to deliver more support to Ukraine at a meeting of Group of 7 leaders in Japan later this week, his office said.

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As Zelensky visited European capitals, Russia stepped up attacks across Ukraine with drones and missiles over the weekend. On Sunday, Russia shelled two communities in the northern border region of Sumy, the region’s military administration said in a statement on its official Telegram channel. It said 109 explosions were recorded.

Zelensky’s office said Monday that shelling had killed nine civilians and injured 19 in the last day. Six of the deaths were in the Kherson region. Two civilians were killed in Chuhuiv in the Kharkiv region and one in Prymorsk, which is on the Azov Sea coast about 12 miles from Russian-occupied Berdyansk.

The presidential office also reported that Marhanets, which lies across the river from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, was shelled.

A military medic give first aid to a wounded soldier on the road near Bakhmut, Donetsk region, Ukraine, Thursday, May 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Boghdan Kutiepov)

Ukraine says it has retaken territory near embattled eastern city of Bakhmut

Ukrainian military commanders say their troops recaptured more territory from Russian forces in the long battle for the eastern city of Bakhmut

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In the Russian-occupied city of Luhansk, Russian state news agency RIA-Novosti reported that the acting regional interior minister, Igor Kornet, was injured in an explosion in a barbershop. Luhansk’s separatist head, Leonid Pasechnik, is quoted as saying the explosion was a bomb.

Assassination attempts and sabotage attacks have increased in Russian-occupied territory as well as Russia proper. Russian authorities often blame Ukrainian forces but Kyiv rarely acknowledges such attacks.

Zelensky traveled to Britain from Paris, where he met Sunday with French President Emmanuel Macron and secured a pledge of light tanks, armored vehicles and air defense systems.

About 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers would receive training in France this year and nearly 4,000 others in Poland, Macron’s office said.

Speaking Monday on French television network TF1, Macron said training on French fighter jets such as the Mirage 2000 “can start now” but rejected the idea of France delivering warplanes to Ukraine.

Russian servicemen stand next as people load a coffin with the body of Russian Army soldier Rustam Zarifulin, who was killed fighting in Ukraine, onto a truck after a farewell ceremony in his homeland in Kara-Balta, 60 km (37 miles) west of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Sunday, March 27, 2022. (AP Photo/Vladimir Voronin)

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Zelensky also met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Sunday. It was his first visit to Berlin since the start of the invasion and came a day after the German government announced a new package of military aid for Ukraine worth more than $3 billion, including tanks, antiaircraft systems and ammunition.

Modern Western hardware is considered crucial if Ukraine is to succeed in its planned counteroffensive.

During his European trip, Zelensky said Ukraine would aim to liberate Russian-occupied areas within Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders, and not attack Russian territory.

Among areas Russia still occupies are the Crimean peninsula and parts of eastern Ukraine with mainly Russian-speaking populations.

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In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Italy's Premier Giorgia Meloni, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, from right to left, attend laying flowers ceremony at the Wall of Remembrance to pay tribute to killed Ukrainian soldiers, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has welcomed Western leaders to Kyiv to mark the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, as Ukrainian forces run low on ammunition and foreign aid hangs in the balance. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

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FILE - A Ukrainian marine of 35th brigade fires by automatic grenade launcher AGS-17 towards Russian positions on the outskirts of Avdiivka, Ukraine, on June 19, 2023. Ukrainian troops are under intense pressure from a determined Russian effort to storm the strategically important eastern Ukraine city of Avdiivka, officials say. Kyiv’s army is struggling with ammunition shortages as the Kremlin’s forces pursue a battlefield triumph around the two-year anniversary of Moscow’s full-scale invasion and ahead of a March presidential election in Russia. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka, File)

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Jan. 22, 2024

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zelensky visits uk

Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s surprise visit to the UK – in pictures

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The Ukrainian president flew into Britain on Wednesday for only his second trip abroad since Russia invaded nearly a year ago

Matt Fidler

Wed 8 Feb 2023 16.03 GMT Last modified on Thu 9 Feb 2023 08.01 GMT

Photograph: Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Reuters

The British prime minister, Rishi Sunak, welcomes Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, at Stansted

Photograph: Ukrainian Presidency/Sipa/Rex/Shutterstock

Zelenskiy and Sunak cross the runway

Photograph: Simon Walker/No10 Downing Street

Sunak welcomes Zelenskiy to 10 Downing Street for breakfast

Photograph: Reuters

Zelenskiy addresses parliamentarians in Westminster Hall

Photograph: Stefan Rousseau/WPA/Getty Images

Zelenskiy and the Labour leader, Keir Starmer, meeting at the Palace of Westminster

Photograph: Stefan Rousseau/AFP/Getty Images

The Ukrainian president shakes hands with MPs as he is accompanied by the speaker of the House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle, and speaker of the House of Lords, Lord McFall (left) through the Palace of Westminster

Photograph: James Manning/PA

A cavalcade takes Zelenskiy along the Mall to Buckingham Palace to meet King Charles

Photograph: Aaron Chown/PA

King Charles holds an audience with Zelenskiy at Buckingham Palace

Photograph: Jessica Taylor/HOC/Reuters

Zelenskiy poses for pictures with the speakers of the Commons and Lords

Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meet Ukrainian troops being trained to command Challenger 2 tanks at a military facility in Lulworth, Dorset

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'Wings for freedom': Zelenskyy visits UK, lobbies for fighter jets, and Britain is receptive. Ukraine live updates.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the U.K. on Wednesday for the first time since Russia's invasion, a rare trip out of his war-torn country.

Zelenskyy met U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and addressed Parliament in a bid for more military aid in the form of advanced weapons and "wings for freedom" fighter jets as Ukraine prepares for expected spring offensives by Russian forces.

For the first time, Sunak said he's open to the idea of providing fighter jets. “Nothing is off the table,” he said at a joint news conference at a British army base. “We must arm Ukraine in the short term, but we must bolster Ukraine for the long term.”

It is Zelenskyy's second known trip outside Ukraine since Russia's invasion nearly a year ago, after his December visit to the U.S. 

On Wednesday night, Zelenskyy arrived in Paris to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Zelenskyy will also visit Brussels, where leaders from the 27-nation bloc are holding a summit Thursday, Macron's office confirmed.

Developments:

►Zelensky visited Buckingham Palace and met with King Charles. The royal family posted a photo of the men shaking hands on Twitter .

►French President Emmanuel Macron was to meet with Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Paris later Wednesday, the Élysée Palace said. Zelenskyy also is expected to visit Brussels, where leaders from the 27-nation bloc are holding a summit Thursday, but no announcement had been made.

►British Foreign Minister James Cleverly announced new sanctions against Russian President Vladimir "Putin’s inner circle and producers of Russia's warfare equipment," adding that, "Putin is desperate. He will not succeed."

GRAPHICS: Mapping and tracking Russia's invasion of Ukraine

RUSSIA, OLYMPICS: Russia's path to 2024 Olympics takes shape, Ukraine objects

UK moves closer to providing Ukraine with fighter jets

Zelenskyy, wearing his trademark olive sweatshirt, presented the speaker of the House of Commons with a Ukrainian air force helmet inscribed by a Ukrainian pilot: “We have freedom. Give us wings to protect it.”

The U.S., U.K and other allies have been reluctant to provide advanced fighter jets, citing the complexity of the aircraft and concerns over escalating the war. But in a shift, the British government said Wednesday that it was “actively looking” at whether Ukraine could be sent Western jets and was “in discussion with our allies” about it.

Sunak’s spokesman, Max Blain, said the government was exploring what jets might be provided over the coming years but had not made a decision on whether to send its F-35 or Typhoon jets.

“We think it is right to provide both short-term equipment … that can help win the war now but also look to the medium-to-long term to make sure Ukraine has every possibility it requires,” he said.

Zelenskyy addresses UK Parliament, asks for jets

Zelenskyy asked allies to send "combat aircraft for Ukraine, wings for freedom" as hundreds of lawmakers and staff packed into Westminster Hall for his address.

Zelenskyy also urged stronger sanctions against Russia and thanked Britain for its aid.

"London has stood with Kyiv since Day One," he said, handing over a combat helmet as a thank-you to Britain. The helmet was inscribed by a Ukrainian pilot with the words, “We have freedom. Give us wings to protect it.”

UK announces pilot, marine training program for Ukraine

Zelenskyy's visit coincides with Sunak announcing that Britain will expand training for Ukrainian fighter jet pilots and marines "as part of long-term investment in their military," according to a statement from the prime minister's office.

Britain pledged to train Ukrainian pilots on "NATO standard fight jets," but the U.K. has been reluctant to meet Ukraine's request for allies to send warplanes .

"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 in a statement. "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."

US MILITARY AID: As Biden seeks to avoid wider war, M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine escalates conflict

The U.K. is one of Ukraine's biggest military supporters and has sent the country more than $2.5 billion in aid. More than 10,000 Ukrainian troops have trained at U.K. bases, and Britain said 20,000 more will do so this year. Last week, a group of Ukrainians arrived in the U.K. to learn to operate Challenger 2 tanks Britain is supplying.

The U.K. also announced a series of sanctions Wednesday against six entities it said provided equipment to the Russian military.

Zelenskyy keeps busy itinerary in UK

Zelenskyy arrived at London Stansted airport on a Royal Air Force plane as Sunak greeted him. Sunak tweeted a photo of the two embracing on the tarmac.

"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," Zelenskyy said on Instagram.

Zelenskyy and Sunak traveled to Downing Street amid a large convoy of vehicles before briefly posing for photos in front of the famous black door that leads into the U.K. prime minister's residence.

Zelenskyy started the meeting by thanking Britain for its "big support from the first days of full-scale invasion." He also met with King Charles, U.K. military chiefs and Ukrainian troops training in Britain.

IOC resists pressure to ban Russian, Belarusian athletes from Paris Games

As the push against allowing athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete in next year's Summer Games in Paris gains support, the International Olympic Committee continues to resist.

On Wednesday, Olympic leaders said they don't intend to have Russian and Belarusian delegations at the event. Instead, the IOC plans for those countries' qualifying competitors who have not actively supported the war in Ukraine to participate as “neutral athletes” without a national identity such as team uniforms, flags and anthems.

Zelenskyy and many political and sports figures have advocated for extending to the Paris Games the ban initially applied in most Olympic sports to participants from Russia and Belarus, imposed shortly after the war began last February.

“It is not possible to parade as if nothing had happened, to have a delegation that comes to Paris while the bombs continue to rain down on Ukraine,” Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said Tuesday, drawing the IOC response.

US MILITARY AID: Ukraine to get 45 top battle tanks from US, Germany. How they will aid in war with Russia

Contributing: The Associated Press

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zelensky visits uk

  • Defence and armed forces

PM welcomes President Zelenskyy to the UK ahead of anticipated Ukrainian military surge

President Zelenskyy has arrived in the UK this morning for discussions with the Prime Minister on Ukraine’s ongoing military resistance to Putin’s brutal invasion.

zelensky visits uk

  • Prime Minister will welcome President Zelenskyy to Chequers today for discussions following the Ukrainian President’s tour of European capitals
  • Visit comes ahead of this week’s Council of Europe and G7 Summits where the PM will call for sustained global support for Ukraine’s fight to reclaim their sovereign territory
  • PM will announce more military aid to support this effort, following last week’s confirmation that the UK has donated long-range precision missiles

The President will update the Prime Minister on his meetings with European leaders over the weekend as Ukraine prepares for an intensified period of military activity.

This visit also comes ahead of the Council of Europe Summit in Iceland, which the Prime Minister will attend and President Zelenskyy will attend virtually, and the G7 Summit in Japan. The Prime Minister will use these gatherings to push for sustained international support for Ukraine, both in terms of military aid and long-term security assurances.

Last week the UK confirmed that we have provided Storm Shadow precision missiles to Ukraine. This is the first long-range cruise missile in Ukraine’s arsenal and will be critical in helping the country defend  against the relentless bombardment of their critical national infrastructure.

Today the Prime Minister will confirm the further UK provision of hundreds of air defence missiles and further unmanned aerial systems including hundreds of new long-range attack drones with a range of over 200km. These will all be delivered over the coming months as Ukraine prepares to intensify its resistance to the ongoing Russian invasion.

This equipment will support Ukraine over the coming months in their anticipated military surge to counter Russian forces. During their meeting today the Prime Minister will discuss with President Zelenskyy what support Ukraine needs from the international community, both in terms of immediate military equipment and long-term defences.

The Prime Minister is working with partners in the G7, NATO and beyond to provide Ukraine with the kind of assurances and capabilities it needs to strengthen and guard its long-term security beyond the end of the war – putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position to seek a fair and lasting peace.

The Prime Minister said:

This is a crucial moment in Ukraine’s resistance to a terrible war of aggression they did not choose or provoke. They need the sustained support of the international community to defend against the barrage of unrelenting and indiscriminate attacks that have been their daily reality for over a year. We must not let them down. The frontlines of Putin’s war of aggression may be in Ukraine but the fault lines stretch all over the world. It is in all our interest to ensure Ukraine succeeds and Putin’s barbarism is not rewarded. That is why the UK is sustaining our support to Ukraine – from tanks to training, ammunition to armoured vehicles. And this message of solidarity will ring loud in all my meetings with fellow world leaders in the days ahead.

President Zelenskyy will hold talks with the Prime Minister at Chequers, becoming the first world leader the Prime Minister has hosted at the residence. This visit follows President Zelenskyy’s visit to the UK in February, which was only the second time the leader had left Ukraine since Putin’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

In their talks, the Prime Minister will reiterate the importance the UK places on providing a total package of support to Ukraine to put them in the strongest possible position to secure a lasting peace for their country.

This means the military equipment we provide must be bolstered by training, by economic support, by biting sanctions against Putin’s regime and by long-term security assurances to ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty can never be breached in this way again.

To that end, in the last year the UK has trained 15,000 Ukrainian troops to battlefield readiness. In February the Prime Minister announced the UK would develop a new training programme for Ukrainian pilots to support their efforts to build a new Ukrainian air force with NATO-standard, F16 jets.

This summer we will commence an elementary flying phase for cohorts of Ukrainian pilots to learn basic training. This will adapt the programme used by UK pilots to provide Ukrainians with piloting skills they can apply a different kind of aircraft. This training goes hand in hand with UK efforts to work with other countries on providing F16 jets – Ukraine’s fighter jets of choice.

Next month the UK will host a Ukraine Recovery Conference to galvanise international investment to support Ukraine’s reconstruction, promoting those emerging sectors where the country was thriving before Putin’s full-scale invasion such as clean energy and tech.

The UK provided £2.3 billion worth of military support to Ukraine in 2022 – more than any country other than the US – and the Prime Minister has committed to sustain that level of support this year.

So far in 2023 the UK has provided equipment including a squadron of Challenger 2 main battle tanks, self-propelled guns, hundreds of armoured vehicles and sophisticated missiles including Starstreak and Storm Shadow. Today’s announcements are further to these previous donations.

Since the outbreak of full-scale war the UK has also trained 15,000 Ukrainian troops in the UK, on top of the 22,000 troops trained in Ukraine between 2014 and 2022 under Operation Orbital.

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Ukraine's Zelenskyy Visits UK For First Time Since Russian Invasion

AP logo

LONDON (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pushed for fighter jets to ensure his country’s victory over Russia in a dramatic speech before the U.K. Parliament, where he also thanked the British people for their support since “Day One” of Moscow’s invasion .

The embattled leader’s surprise visit to Britain in a bid for more advanced weapons comes as Ukraine braces for an expected Russian offensive and hatches its own plans to retake land held by Moscow’s forces. Western support has been key to Kyiv’s surprisingly stiff defense, and the two sides are engaged in grinding battles.

It was only Zelenskyy’s second foreign trip since Russia invaded on Feb, 24, 2022, after a December visit to the U.S. President Emmanuel Macron’s office said the French leader will host Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Paris later in the day.

Before that, Sunak and Zelenskyy are due to visit Ukrainian troops being trained on the Challenger 2 tanks that Britain is sending as part of the hundreds that Kyiv says it needs.

Zelenskyy and Sunak meet outside 10 Downing Street, London, on Feb. 8, 2023.

Hundreds of lawmakers and parliamentary staff packed the 900-year-old Westminster Hall, the oldest — and, on a cold winter day, unheated — part of Parliament for Zelenskyy’s speech.

Zelenskyy, wearing his trademark olive drab sweatshirt, urged allies to send his country jets, saying combat aircraft would be “wings for freedom.”

In a pointed and dramatic gesture, Zelenskyy presented the speaker of the House of Commons with a Ukrainian air force helmet, inscribed by a Ukrainian pilot: “We have freedom. Give us wings to protect it.”

The president is trying to soften allies’ reluctance to send advanced fighter jets, both because they are complex to fly and for fear of escalating the war.

The U.K. has repeatedly said it’s not practical to provide the Ukrainian military with British warplanes. But in a shift, the government said Wednesday it was “actively looking” at whether Ukraine could be sent Western jets, and was “in discussion with our allies” about it.

Britain announced it would train Ukrainian pilots in Britain on “NATO-standard fighter jets” starting within weeks.

Sunak’s spokesman, Max Blain, said the government was exploring “what jets we may be able to give” over the coming years, but had not made a decision on whether to send its F-35 or Typhoon jets.

“We think it is right to provide both short-term equipment … that can help win the war now, but also look to the medium to long term to make sure Ukraine has every possibility it requires,” he said.

Macron has said France doesn’t rule out sending fighter jets but set out conditions before such a step is taken, including not leading to an escalation of tensions or using the aircraft “to touch Russian soil,” and not resulting in weakening “the capacities of the French army.”

Zelenskyy, who also met at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday with King Charles III, noted that the British monarch was a qualified military pilot.

“The king is an air force pilot,” Zekenskyy said, and “in Ukraine today, every air force pilot is a king.”

Zelenskyy was greeted with applause, cheers and cries of “Slava Ukraini” — “Glory to Ukraine” — as he arrived in Parliament, where Ukraine’s cause has wide support from both the Conservative government and opposition parties.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses parliamentarians in Westminster Hall on Feb. 8, 2023 in London, England.

Zelenskyy addressed the U.K. Parliament remotel y in March, two weeks after the start of the invasion. He echoed World War II leader Winston Churchill’s famous “never surrender” speech, vowing that Ukrainians “will fight till the end at sea, in the air. We will continue fighting for our land, whatever the cost.”

He recalled how on a visit to London before the war, he sat on Churchill’s chair in his subterranean wartime headquarters, and had a feeling that he only now understood.

“It was the feeling of how bravery takes you through the most unimaginable hardships to finally reward you with victory,” Zelenskyy said.

In past wars, “evil lost,” Zekenskyy told U.K. lawmakers. “We know Russia will lose and we we know victory will change the world.″

Zelenskyy thanked Sunak and his predecessor Boris Johnson, who was one of Ukraine’s most vocal backers while he was prime minister. Sunak took office in October and has pledged to maintain the U.K.’s support.

“Boris, you got others united when it seemed absolutely impossible,” Zelenskyy said.

He also called for stronger sanctions against Moscow, until “Russia is deprived of any possibility to finance this war.”

He said he was speaking on behalf of the brave people of his own country — and thanked Britons for their bravery.

“London has stood with Kyiv since Day One,” he said.

Zelenskyy has rallied support for his country repeatedly through such speeches — mostly given remotely — to Western lawmakers. Support from allies has helped Ukraine mount a surprisingly stiff defense — and now the two sides are engaged in grinding battles.

The Ukrainian leader arrived on a Royal Air Force plane in London on Wednesday. Sunak greeted him on the tarmac, tweeting a photo of the two men embracing.

The two leaders held talks inside the prime minister’s 10 Downing St. residence before Zelenskyy headed to Parliament. Later he is due to hold an audience with the king at Buckingham Palace.

The U.K. is one of the biggest military backers of Ukraine and has sent the country more than 2 billion pounds ($2.5 billion) in weapons and equipment.

Sunak and Zelenskyy also are due to visit Ukrainian troops being trained on the Challenger 2 tanks that Britain is sending as part of the hundreds that Kyiv says it needs.

Britain's King Charles III holds an audience with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, at Buckingham Palace, London, on Feb. 8, 2023.

More than 10,000 Ukrainian troops have also been trained at bases in the U.K., and Britain says it will train 20,000 more in 2023.

“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.

Coinciding with the visit, the U.K. government announced a new round of sanctions against six entities that Britain said supplied equipment to the Russian military.

CST, a manufacturer of Russian drones and parts for helicopters used against Ukraine, were among those sanctioned. Others targeted included five individuals linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s luxury residences, including Boris Titov and Aerostart owner Viktor Myachin.

In Brussels, there were increasing expectations that the Ukrainian leader might also make his first visit to European Union institutions since the war began.

Leaders from 27-nation bloc will be gathering for a summit in Brussels on Thursday. That would enable Zelenskyy to meet with all major leaders of the bloc in one day. Zelenskyy has often addressed EU summits only through video calls from Ukraine.

The EU’s legislature has also slated a special plenary session in Brussels for Thursday.

The London visit came as Russian forces blasted areas of eastern Ukraine with more artillery bombardments, Ukrainian officials said Wednesday, in what Kyiv authorities believe is part of a new thrust by the Kremlin’s forces before the invasion anniversary.

Moscow, meanwhile, believes Ukraine is preparing its own battlefield push.

Danica Kirka and Sylvia Hui in London and Raf Casert in Brussels contributed.

Follow the AP’s coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

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zelensky visits uk

  • International

February 8, 2023 - Russia-Ukraine news

By Kathleen Magramo , Aditi Sangal , Adrienne Vogt , Leinz Vales , Mike Hayes, Tori B. Powell and Maureen Chowdhury , CNN

Russian embassy derides Zelensky’s visit to UK after Ukrainian leader secured more military assistance

From CNN’s Vasco Cotovio and Jessie Gretener in London

The Russian embassy in London described Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s trip to the UK on Wednesday as a “hasty event,” “theatrical performance,” “fundraising event,” and “ex-comedian in a green sweatshirt now on tour around Europe.”

In response to the UK saying it's "actively looking" at whether to send fighter jets to Ukraine, the embassy warned that “Russia will know how to respond to any unfriendly actions by the British side.” 

“We would like to remind London: in the event of such a scenario the death toll of yet another round of escalation, as well as and its military-political consequences for the European continent and the whole world will be on the United Kingdom’s hands," the embassy said in a statement.

Earlier on Wednesday, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said “when it comes to the provision of military assistance to Ukraine, nothing is off the table” when asked whether the UK will provide fighter jets to Ukraine.

And Zelensky hailed his visit, noting the two countries had reached an agreement on a "powerful defense package."

Macron tells Zelensky that France is determined to help Ukraine to victory

From CNN's Dalal Mawad in Paris and Sugam Pokharel and Jessie Gretener in London 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, left, and French President Emmanuel Macron shake hands during a joint statement with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the Elysee Palace in Paris on February 8.

French President Emmanuel Macron told his visiting Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky that France is “determined” to assist Ukraine in its war against Russia.  

“We stand by Ukraine, determined to help it to victory,” Macron said. “Ukraine can count on France and its allies to win the war, Russia should not and will not win the war.”   

Macron affirmed to Zelensky that France will continue to provide military support to Ukraine and Paris will "adapt and re-adapt" to Kyiv’s needs. 

"Ukraine can count on us to build peace," the French leader said, speaking alongside Zelensky and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Paris.    

From left, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz attend a joint statement at the Elysee Palace in Paris on February 8.

After arriving in Paris, Zelensky said he is “thankful for the spontaneous idea for us to meet and talk” in a joint news conference with Macron and Scholz.  

“France and Germany have the potential to be game changers” Zelensky said in his opening remarks, adding that “the sooner Ukraine manages to get long range weapons and modern planes, the stronger our coalitions will be.”  

Scholz said Germany will continue to provide military aid to Ukraine “as long as it needs.” 

He said that Zelensky going to an EU summit taking place in Brussels, Belgium on Thursday as “a strong signal” of solidarity.  

Correction:  The headline and quote from President Macron have been corrected to note that France is determined to help Ukraine to victory.

Zelensky says Ukraine and United Kingdom have agreed on "a powerful defense package"

President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine and the United Kingdom have reached an agreement on a "powerful defense package."

"We have agreed on a significant number of armored vehicles and the supply of long-range weapons," Zelensky said on his official Telegram account. "And we agreed to start training Ukrainian pilots.”

The announcement comes after Zelensky made his first visit to the United Kingdom since the Russian invasion of his country.

"I believe that this is our clear signal – of Ukraine and the UK – that together we are not only going, but will go all the way to our common victory," he said.

See photos shared by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak from the joint news conference with Zelensky:

Ukrainian President Zelensky arrives in Paris  

From CNN's Sugam Pokharel and Pierre Bairin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, left, is welcomed by French defense minister Sébastien Lecornu upon his arrival at the Paris Orly airport February 8.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived at Orly Airport in Paris, according to the French government. 

Zelensky was greeted on the tarmac by French defense minister Sébastien Lecornu, according to live visuals.

Zelensky will head to the Elysee Palace for a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.  

Zelensky says he will intensify diplomacy in quest to get Typhoon fighter jets

From CNN's Lauren Kent and Niamh Kennedy in London

Ukraine will be "intensifying our diplomacy” in regard to the request for Eurofighter typhoon jets, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said during a joint press conference with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Zelensky suggested that the decision was not solely in the UK's hands. 

"Once again, I heard from Mr. Prime Minister the desire to provide fighter jets, and officially he declared they can begin training our pilots," Zelensky said in the joint news conference at Lulworth Camp in Dorset, England. "When it comes to Typhoons, not everything depends just on the decision of Great Britain."

"I will be working in that direction because, again, this is how we have been able to change many things," said Zelensky, adding that he will be meeting with a dozen EU leaders in the coming days. 

Zelensky also emphasized the need to have these diplomatic conversations regarding fighter jets "quickly." 

Sunak noted that it takes three years to train a Typhoon fighter pilot from scratch, to which Zelensky responded, "I didn't even know it takes three years to train a pilot like that. You know, come on, we will be sending you pilots who have already trained for two and a half years."

Earlier on Wednesday, the prime minister's official spokesperson said the UK is "actively" considering whether to send British jets to Ukraine. Downing Street maintained no decision has yet been taken on whether to supply the jets, though. 

German chancellor arrives in Paris for meeting with French and Ukrainian presidents

From CNN's Dalal Mawad in Paris

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, left, joins French President Emmanuel Macron for a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris on February 8.

German chancellor Olaf Scholz has arrived in Paris, according to a CNN team on the ground who spotted the German leader at the Elysee Palace. 

Scholz will meet with French and Ukrainian presidents, Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelensky, Wednesday evening. 

Zelensky is expected to arrive in Paris soon after making his first visit to the United Kingdom since the Russian invasion of his country.

UK opposes Russia competing at 2024 Olympics, prime minister's office says

From CNN’s Jessie Gretener and Lauren Kent in London

The Olympic and Russian flags fly during the closing ceremony of the Sochi Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia in 2014.

The United Kingdom opposes Russian or Belarusian athletes competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's official spokesperson said on Wednesday, according to PA Media.

The spokesperson said the UK has been “very clear” with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that it does not want Russia and Belarus to participate, PA reported. 

Russia "should be treated as a pariah state and should not be able to legitimize its illegal war in Ukraine," the spokesperson added, according to PA. "We, and indeed many other countries, have been unequivocal on this throughout and we want to ensure that we continue to speak with one voice on this."

The IOC says there are currently “no plans for a Russian or Belarusian delegation” at the Paris games. However, last week the IOC said that Russian and Belarusian athletes would compete as neutral athletes if they were to participate in the Olympics.

The IOC outlined a multi-step plan for Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate at the 2024 Summer Games in Paris and the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, arguing that “no athlete should be prevented from competing just because of their passport.”

Meanwhile, the IOC said it would continue its sanctions against Russian and Belarusian state and government officials and prohibit sporting events organized by both country’s federations.

CNN's David Close contributed reporting to this post.

Ukrainian military reports uptick in Russian shelling in several northern regions

From CNN's Tim Lister and Denis Lapin in Kyiv

Russian shelling appears to be increasing in parts of Kharkiv region recaptured by Ukrainian forces last September, as well as in other areas of northern Ukraine.

Kharkiv, Sumy and Luhansk regions: Oleh Syniehubov, head of the Kharkiv regional military administration, said two civilians were killed in Dvorichna, a village east of the city of Kharkiv. Russian forces occupy positions on the east bank of the nearby Oskil River.

Further north, close to the Russian border, five people were injured in Russian shelling of the town of Vovchansk, which regularly comes under fire, according to Syniehubov . "At least seven apartment buildings and two private residential buildings were damaged by artillery fire in Vovchansk," he said on Telegram.

The front lines along the regional border of Kharkiv and Luhansk have seen more Russian shelling in the last month.

The Ukrainian military also reported Wednesday that more than 30 settlements in the regions of Kharkiv and Sumy came under fire, with some of the shelling directed from Russian territory.

"The occupiers continue to shell the border of Sumy region with mortars" 12 times on Wednesday evening in the area of Seredyna-Buda — which is right near the Russian border — according to Operational Command North. No casualties were reported.

Donetsk region: In its daily report, the Ukrainian military's General Staff said that Russians forces had used air strikes to support troops on the ground near Bakhmut , with nearly a dozen settlements in the area coming under artillery fire. 

An unofficial Telegram account of troops in Ukraine's 46th Brigade, which has been in the Bakhmut area for several weeks, said the Russians had reached a highway northwest of the city and that fighting was continuing there. 

The General Staff said there were also air strikes along other parts of the front lines in the Donetsk region, southwest of the Russian-occupied city of Donetsk. That area has seen intense combat involving tanks and artillery in recent weeks as Russian forces have tried to break down Ukrainian defenses.

Kherson region: According to the Ukrainian military, there was also heavy shelling of towns and villages in recently liberated parts of Kherson in the south. It listed 10 areas that had been shelled, including the city of Kherson.

The military also said that in occupied parts of Kherson, Russians are "conducting filtration measures against civilians." Filtration measures include detention and deportation to Russian territory.

"First of all, this concerns those who worked in Ukrainian state institutions and refuse to cooperate with the Russian occupation administration and go to work. The invaders also threaten that those who do not receive Russian passports by March will automatically be subject to filtration measures," the military said.

The Ukrainians said they continue to target Russian military hubs behind the front lines. "Over the past day, the aviation of the Defense Forces carried out 21 strikes on the areas of concentration of occupants' personnel and military equipment and 3 strikes on the positions of anti-aircraft missile systems. ...Two areas of manpower concentration, an ammunition depot and a fuel and oil depot," the General Staff said.

zelensky visits uk

Blinken, asked about fighter jets, says US “will continue to make judgments" on Ukraine's military needs

From CNN's Michael Conte

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken listens during a press conference in Washington, DC, on February 8.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that the US “will continue to make judgments about what we think Ukraine needs and what it can be most effective in using."

He was responding to a question about whether Washington would be prepared to provide fighter jets to Kyiv.

“What's vital is not just a particular weapons system or piece of equipment,” Blinken said at a news conference Wednesday with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. “Equally important is the ability of Ukrainians to use it effectively.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been asking for fighter aircraft from Western allies.

On Wednesday, the United Kingdom said it would provide training for NATO-standard fighter jets for Ukrainian pilots and is considering providing such aircraft.

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Live: Volodymyr Zelensky visits Dorset during historic first trip to UK since Russian invasion

President Zelensky and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak arrived by helicopter at Lulworth Camp

  • Updated 18:44, 8 FEB 2023

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meet Ukrainian troops being trained to command Challenger 2 tanks at a military facility in Lulworth

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is visiting Dorset after arriving in the UK for a surprise visit. President Zelensky and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak landed in a helicopter at Lulworth Camp to meet Ukrainian troops being trained by the British Army.

Speaking to politicians at the Houses of Parliament earlier, Zelensky praised Britain for its support towards Ukraine following Russia's invasion.

He also used his speech to call on Western allies to continue its sanctions against Russia, with more announced earlier by the UK. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also held talks with the Ukrainian leader during a visit to 10 Downing Street.

It is the Ukraine leader's first visit to the UK since Russian troops invaded his country last year. The war against Vladimir Putin's forces continues with Ukrainian troops receiving training from British military personnel, including in parts of the South West such as Salisbury Plain.

Updates from Zelensky's visit will appear in the live blog below.

  • Volodymyr Zelensky arrives at Buckingham Palace for audience with King Charles III 14:18
  • Live video - Volodymyr Zelensky addressing parliament 13:10
  • Video - Volodymyr Zelensky meets Rishi Sunak 12:33
  • Ukrainian troops doing battle training on Salisbury Plain 12:01

President Zelensky hugs Ukrainian journalist at Lulworth press conference

Zelensky hugged a member of the Ukrainian press after she reportedly said she was "not allowed to ask for one". Read the full story here.

Photos from the Lulworth press conference

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and President Volodymyr Zelensky held a joint press conference in Lulworth today after the Ukrainian's visit to the UK.

zelensky visits uk

"not everything depends just on the decision of Great Britain"

Ukraine’s leader said he would be “intensifying our diplomacy” to pave the way for the UK to give Typhoon jets to Kyiv, suggesting the decision was not totally dependent on London.

Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking through a translator at a joint press conference, said: “When it comes to Typhoons, not everything depends just on the decision of Great Britain.

“I will be working in that direction because this is how we have been able to change many things.

“We are intensifying our diplomacy and I do believe within a day we will be able to meet with a dozen EU leaders and then we will go back home.

“All of these conversations, they have to take place quickly.”

Responding to the Prime Minister saying how long it takes to train a Typhoon fighter pilot from scratch, Mr Zelensky said: “I didn’t even know it takes three years to train a pilot like that.

“Come on, we will be sending you pilots who have already trained for two and a half-years.”

Need to consider fighter jet "supply chain" says Sunak

The Prime Minister indicated that supplying fighter jets to Ukraine would involve holding conversations with allies that help provide the aircraft.

Rishi Sunak, addressing reporters at a joint press conference at a military base in Dorset, said: “There is a supply chain around such sophisticated aircraft.

“Those are conversations that the president and I are having and making sure we understand all the supply chain needs that go alongside aircraft like that — making sure they can be used and used safely, kept safely. So we are having that conversation.

“And it is also a conversation we are having with our allies because, particularly some of the aircraft we have, are done through joint treaty with multiple other countries — I think we have seen that with previous bits of kit that others have had to give.

“For aircraft, that is something we are also involved in because, as I said, we have other allies involved in the provision of those bits of equipment.

“And as the president said, he is on his way to Europe after this to pick up this conversation with our partners and allies over there.”

Risk of "stagnation" without fighter jets

Volodymyr Zelensky said that without the fighter jets he is asking for there is a risk of “stagnation” in his country’s struggle against Russia.

In a joint press conference with Rishi Sunak in Dorset, the Ukrainian president said through a translator: “Now we’ve come to kind of this stagnation phase.

“You’ve just asked me what would happen if we don’t get these fighter jets or longer-range missiles, or we don’t have enough ammunition, because everything obviously is running out and coming out of maintenance.

“Without the weapons that we are discussing now and the weapons that we just discussed with Rishi earlier today and how Britain is going to help us, you know, all of this is very important. Without this, there would be stagnation which will not bring to anything good.”

Priority is armoured vehicles, says Zelensky

Armoured vehicles are the current priority when it comes to forcing back Russia’s troops, Volodymyr Zelensky said.

The Ukrainian president, speaking at a joint press briefing in Dorset, said: “When we talk about the battlefield, what are our priorities? Of course armoured vehicles.

“We know that our enemy has thousands of units of armoured vehicles back from the Soviet Union heritage.

“And of course Nato armoured vehicles are the best and yet there are only a few of them.

“When you only have 10 Nato armoured vehicles against a thousand Soviet armoured vehicles, well what are the chances?

“We have no way out, we have to stand firm. We need armoured vehicles, we need tanks, we need fighter jets, and obviously we spend a lot of time talking about this together.”

He said “longer-range missiles” were also a priority and he was “very grateful that Britain has finally heard us in that regard” and he hoped other allies would join in providing such weapons.

Nothing "off the table" regarding fighter jets

Rishi Sunak said “nothing was off the table” when asked about the possibility of sending UK fighter jets to Ukraine.

Speaking during a joint press conference in Dorset, the Prime Minister said: “When it comes to fighter combat aircraft, of course they are part of the conversation — indeed, we have been discussing that today and have been previously.

“That’s why we have announced today that we will be training Ukrainian air force on Nato-standard platforms, because the first step in being able to provide advanced aircrafts is to have soldiers or aviators who are capable of using them.

“That is a process that takes some time. We’ve started that process today, that’s because we are keen to support the president and his country in delivering a victory.

“And nothing is off the table and our leadership on this issue is something we all collectively should be very proud of, and I know the president is grateful for.”

UK "standing together" with Kyiv

Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv’s relations with the UK have reached a “new level”.

“It is very clear that we are standing together with Great Britain,” the Ukrainian president said at a joint press conference in Dorset.

“This is truly a new level of our relations.

“My deep gratitude to Rishi and all of Great Britain for your readiness and willingness to work with us in executing the Ukrainian peace formula.”

"Very fruitful" discussions with Rishi Sunak

Volodymyr Zelensky said his discussions with Rishi Sunak were “very fruitful” as he thanked Britain for its support.

In a joint press conference with Mr Sunak on a military base in Dorset, the Ukrainian president said through a translator: “I’m not able to share with you all of the details what we’ve been talking about and how it is specifically we are going to strengthen Ukraine.

“However I would like to say that this day has become very fruitful and I’m grateful to the Prime Minister for understanding our needs and for his helpful advice and for the decisions that are truly helping our Ukrainian warriors to become stronger.

“I’m also grateful to His Majesty for the opportunity to have a meeting and conversation with him, and I’m grateful to all of the members of the British Parliament who today to my address clearly showed that Great Britain will never betray their brave spirit.”

Mr Zelensky hugs member of BBC Ukraine

The Ukrainian president hugged one of the assembled members of the press conference from BBC Ukraine. The journalist spoke to Mr Zelensky in ukrainian, before he stepped down from the stage and offered her a hug, to rounds of applause from the assembled conference.

After hugging the journalist, he jokingly asked for "security" before hopping back up onto the stage.

BBC Ukraine journo just got a hug!!! She said she really wanted one from Zelensky but she's not allowed to ask so he came over and gave her one. pic.twitter.com/T86dSMCLKo — Latika M Bourke (@latikambourke) February 8, 2023

Declaration of unity

President Zelensky and Prime Minister Sunak sign a declaration of unity at the military camp in Lulworth.

zelensky visits uk

Rishi Sunak - UK tanks will be in Ukraine by March

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the UK’s Challenger 2 tanks would be in operation in Ukraine by “next month”.

Speaking during a joint press conference in Dorset alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Mr Sunak said the “sophisticated weapons” would “soon be making a difference on the battlefields of your country”.

He added: “The Ukrainian crews who arrived last week will be using Challenger 2 tanks to defend Ukraine sovereign territory next month.”

Touching on the expansion of a UK-Ukrainian armed forces training programme, Mr Sunak added: “We must arm Ukraine in the short term but we must bolster Ukraine for the long term.

“Your country cannot be left vulnerable to attack ever again.”

Volodymyr Zelensky thanks UK for tanks

Earlier today, the Ukrainian President thanked the UK for giving tanks to his country.

Read more here .

Mr Sunak and Mr Zelensky shake hands in a declaration of unity

zelensky visits uk

Mr Zelensky urges Parliament to provide jets

President volodymyr zelensky and prime minister rishi sunak are shown a tank simulator.

zelensky visits uk

Zelensky pleads for jets

President zelensky presents a medal as he meets ukrainian soldiers.

zelensky visits uk

What do we know about Lulworth

People who live close to Lulworth will not be surprised to hear the Ukrainian troops have been learning to drive tanks there. There are regular explosions from the army base.

There isn't much access to Lulworth for obvious reasons, but this is everything we know about it

Leaders shown training simulator

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak were shown a Challenger 2 tank simulator being used to train Ukrainian troops.

Rishi Sunak spoke to the Ukrainian troops about the simulator, asking: “Is it similar to what you have been used to?”

One of the soldiers replied: “It’s quite different,” and Mr Zelensky said: “Yes, it’s new.”

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak signed a declaration of unity before shaking hands.

Photos from Lulworth

zelensky visits uk

Why has President Zylensky come to Dorset?

Not many Presidential visits come to Dorset, so it's fair to wonder why Zelensky has made the trip on his first visit to the UK since the war with Russia began.

Ukrainian soldiers have been training at Lulworth since last year and the President will be meeting them today

Mr Zelensky and Mr Sunak visit Ukrainian soldiers at Lulworth

zelensky visits uk

President Zelensky has presented medals to some of his troops

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for his support before presenting medals to some of his troops.

Mr Sunak said: “It is a privilege for us to have all of you here and your courage is inspiring to us and the courage of your families is inspiring to us.

“We will be there until the end and you are victorious.”

He has arrived at Lulworth

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have arrived by helicopter at Lulworth Camp, Dorset, to meet Ukrainian troops being trained by the British Army.

Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, is coming to Dorset

President Zelensky is en route to Dorset . He is making a visit to Ukrainian troops who are training here as part of his unannounced visit to the UK.

The King and the President drank tea while discussing conflict

The meeting between the King and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continued in private, with the pair joined by the King’s principal private secretary Sir Clive Alderton and – from Ukraine – Andriy Yermak, head of the president’s office, and Dmytro Kuleba, minister of foreign affairs.

They sat in the 1844 Room for 30 minutes of conversation about the continuing conflict in Ukraine, and the part Britain has played in supporting the nation. Tea was served.

Further representatives from Ukraine were then welcomed into the room for an introduction and informal conversation with the King and a chance to have pictures taken individually. The Ukrainian party then departed through the Grand Entrance, Buckingham Palace said.

King Charles welcomed President Zelensky to the palace

The King told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky he was delighted to welcome him to the Palace. Mr Zelensky replied that it was “a great honour to be here”, adding: “Thank you for finding the time for me.”

The King said: “We’ve all been worried about you and thinking about your country for so long, I can’t tell you.” Mr Zelensky replied: “Thank you so much.”

The King went on to say he had heard that the president had addressed both Houses of Parliament earlier in the day. Mr Zelensky said what a “big support” they had been. The monarch replied: “I’m so glad.”

Ben Wallace "actively" considering whether to supply British jets, government spokesperson said

Downing Street has stated no decision has yet been taken on whether to supply UK jets. "I think you can see from the steps that we are taking that we are willing to put Ukraine in the position where, once we have reached the goals of training pilots, they are able to fly these type of jets,” the Prime Minister’s official spokesperson said.

"What we have not made a decision on is whether we send UK fighter jets. Obviously there is an ongoing discussion among other countries about their own fighter jets, some of which are more akin to what Ukrainian pilots are used to."

The spokesperson added Ben Wallace is "actively" considering whether to supply British planes. "We’ve confirmed there will be a training programme for Ukrainian pilots and the Defence Secretary is actively looking at whether we send jets," they said.

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Zelensky Names Ukraine’s Ex-Top General Ambassador to U.K.

The former top general, Valery Zaluzhny, was dismissed last month amid tensions with the civilian leadership. He has been a very popular figure in Ukraine.

  • Share full article

Gen. Valery Zaluzhny wearing a military parka and walking near others outdoors.

By Constant Méheut

Reporting from Kyiv, Ukraine

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine on Thursday appointed Valery Zaluzhny as his new ambassador to Britain, just a month after he removed him from his post as the country’s top general amid tensions between the military and civilian leadership.

“Gen. Valery Zaluzhny told me that this is the direction he would like to take — diplomacy,” Mr. Zelensky said in a video statement , adding that Ukraine’s “alliance with Britain should only get stronger” with this appointment.

Thursday’s announcement ended weeks of speculation about the fate of General Zaluzhny, whose relationship with Mr. Zelensky had become strained. His dismissal from the army command was seen as the result of Mr. Zelensky’s frustration at the failure of Ukraine’s counteroffensive last summer, but also possibly the product of his fears that the general, a very popular figure in Ukraine, might become a political opponent in the future.

In Britain, General Zaluzhny will occupy an influential position that has been vacant since the summer, but one distant from Ukraine’s military and political decision-making. One of his missions will be to shore up support for the Ukrainian war effort among European countries as sustained American military aid is in doubt.

Mr. Zelensky made the announcement on a day when the British defense secretary, Grant Shapps, visited Kyiv. Mr. Shapps said that his country would supply more than 10,000 drones to the Ukrainian Army as part of an existing military aid package that received additional funding, for a total of about $415 million.

In Ukraine, General Zaluzhny has been nicknamed the Iron General for his decisive leadership of the country’s army at its most challenging times, including the defense of the capital, Kyiv, in the first weeks of the war.

He then devised and spearheaded a long-expected counteroffensive in the south last year. But the push failed to break through formidable Russian defensive lines, and Ukrainian troops advanced just a few miles. General Zaluzhny offered a candid assessment of the fighting in November, noting that it had reached a stalemate .

That assessment angered Mr. Zelensky and his top aides, who publicly rebuked General Zaluzhny . He was replaced three months later by Gen. Oleksandr Syrsky , who had been the head of the ground forces.

General Syrsky has since had to oversee a difficult situation on the battlefield, including the Ukrainian retreat from the strategic city of Avdiivka in the east and repeated Russian attacks along a front line stretching more than 600 miles.

General Zaluzhny retained high levels of support even after the failed counteroffensive failed and his dismissal. A poll last month from the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology said that 94 percent of Ukrainians trusted him, slightly more than when he was still commander in chief.

By contrast, Mr. Zelensky’s approval rating stood at 66 percent, down 10 percentage points since December.

General Zaluzhny’s high standing with the Ukrainian public led to speculation that he could be a prospective challenger to Mr. Zelensky in future elections, prompting some in the country to regard them as political rivals.

Though General Zaluzhny has never publicly expressed a desire to enter politics, political analysts on Thursday interpreted his new appointment as a possible maneuver by Mr. Zelensky to distance him from domestic affairs.

“That’s a political move,” said Mykola Davydiuk, a Ukrainian political analyst. “For Zelensky, the motivation is to block him in the media, that he disappears from here, that he’s no longer active.”

It is unclear when General Zaluzhny will take up his new post, and he has made no immediate public comment on his appointment. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it had sent a request for approval to the British side.

General Zaluzhny would replace Vadym Prystaiko, who was dismissed as Ukraine’s envoy to Britain in July 2023 after he publicly criticized Mr. Zelensky.

In his new role, General Zaluzhny may try to use his stature as a former top commander to press allies to speed up the delivery of military aid to the Ukrainian Army, which lacks ammunition and weapons to fend off Russia’s assaults.

General Zaluzhny is likely to be able to count on Britain’s support. The country has been one of Kyiv’s strongest backers in the war, the first to give the nation Western-made battle tanks and then to sign a bilateral security agreement with the Ukrainian government.

Constant Méheut has covered France from the Paris bureau of The Times since 2020. More about Constant Méheut

Our Coverage of the War in Ukraine

News and Analysis

Russian missiles streaked into Kyiv  in the biggest assault on the Ukrainian capital in weeks, injuring several people and damaging several buildings.

Jake Sullivan, President Biden’s top national security official, made a secret trip to Kyiv to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky and reaffirm the United States’ unwavering commitment to Ukraine.

Under pressure to come up with billions of dollars to support Ukraine’s military, the E.U. said that it had devised a legal way to use frozen Russian assets  to help arm Ukraine.

Symbolism or Strategy?: Ukrainians say that defending places with little strategic value is worth the cost in casualties and weapons , because the attacking Russians pay an even higher price. American officials aren’t so sure.

Elaborate Tales: As the Ukraine war grinds on, the Kremlin has created increasingly complex fabrications online  to discredit Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelensky, and undermine the country’s support in the West.

Targeting Russia’s Oil Industry: With its army short of ammunition and troops to break the deadlock on the battlefield, Kyiv has increasingly taken the fight beyond the Ukrainian border, attacking oil infrastructure deep in Russian territory .

How We Verify Our Reporting

Our team of visual journalists analyzes satellite images, photographs , videos and radio transmissions  to independently confirm troop movements and other details.

We monitor and authenticate reports on social media, corroborating these with eyewitness accounts and interviews. Read more about our reporting efforts .

India's Modi speaks to Putin, Zelenskiy ahead of top Ukraine minister's visit

Russian President Putin and Indian Prime Minister Modi meet in Samarkand

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IMAGES

  1. Zelensky visits UK for talks with Sunak and the King

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  2. President Zelensky in first UK visit since invasion of Ukraine

    zelensky visits uk

  3. Ukraine war: President Volodymyr Zelensky visits the UK

    zelensky visits uk

  4. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky visits UK as Prime Minister

    zelensky visits uk

  5. Updates

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  6. Zelensky meets the King in ‘truly special’ audience to thank Charles

    zelensky visits uk

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