This afternoon, the prime minister spoke with the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
He emphasised that no matter who takes over as UK prime minister, the UK will continue to remain steadfast in its commitment to aiding the Ukrainian people. The PM was praised by President Zelenskyy for his unwavering support of Ukraine and for his warm remarks in his last speech to the parliament.
The UK has trained hundreds of Ukrainian troops in the UK, as well as other recent measures the country has taken to support Ukraine’s resistance, as the Prime Minister explained. The UK is aiming to increase its training effort, in part by enlisting the aid of foreign partners. According to President Zelenskyy, the military assistance from the UK and other countries is significantly affecting the conflict.
The Prime Minister welcomed today’s announcement of the UN-mediated agreement to break Russia’s blockade and transport grain out of Ukraine via the Black Sea. President Zelenskyy and the Prime Minister both emphasised the importance of complete implementation of the agreement by all parties.
The leaders spoke about their persistent concern with the treatment of detainees, including British nationals, who are being held by Russian-backed forces in Ukraine. The Prime Minister praised President Zelenskyy for his administration’s current efforts to secure the release of detainees.
The Prime Minister commended President Zelenskyy for the role he has played and must continue to play in preserving an impartial and appropriate judicial system in Ukraine.
The Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy discussed the ongoing negotiations regarding hosting the Eurovision song contest in 2023. The Prime Minister emphasised that, wherever it is held, Eurovision must be a festival that honours and celebrates Ukraine and its people.