This morning, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky landed on British territory for his first visit to the country since the Russian invasion.
Mr. Zelensky’s military plane landed at Stansted Airport in Essex before to his talks with Rishi Sunak and King Charles.
Later, the Prime Minister tweeted a photo of the two, with Mr. Sunak embracing Mr. Zelensky as he deplaned.
They are scheduled to meet at Downing Street, after which Mr. Zelensky will address the Houses of Parliament and meet with the monarch at Buckingham Palace.
He will also use the occasion to meet with some of his Ukrainian forces now receiving training in the United Kingdom.
Mr. Sunak has committed additional military support for Ukraine, including training for the country’s fighter jet pilots.
This might pave the path for Ukrainian military to fly advanced jets according to NATO standards, a key demand of Mr. Zelensky.
Before their meeting, Mr. Sunak stated, ‘President Zelensky’s travel to the United Kingdom is a monument to his country’s strength, resolve, and battle, as well as to the unshakable connection between our two nations.
Since 2014, the United Kingdom has supplied essential training to Ukrainian soldiers, enabling them to defend their nation, defend their sovereignty, and fight for their territory.
“I am pleased that today we will expand this training to include marines and fighter jet pilots, guaranteeing that Ukraine’s military will be prepared to protect its interests for generations to come.
The United Kingdom will instruct Ukrainian fighter pilots
In the latest show of support for Volodymyr Zelensky’s army, the United Kingdom will train Ukrainian pilots to fly advanced NATO fighter aircraft.
In addition, the United Kingdom would provide intermediate training for Ukrainian marines and has pledged a “immediate surge” of military materiel, including long-range weapons.
The most recent statements were made during President Zelensky’s first trip to the United Kingdom since Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Downing Street stated that the government is pursuing a ‘two-pronged’ strategy, with more military equipment now to fight a spring push by Russia, and future help.
No. 10 has described the pilot programme as a “long-term capability investment” due to the length of training required. Despite Ukraine’s urgent need for fighter jets to counter the Russian air force, No. 10 has stated that the pilot programme is a “long-term capability investment” due to the length of training.
The training will ensure that pilots will be able to fly advanced fighter jets according to NATO standards in the future.
While the United Kingdom runs F-35 and Typhoon jets, if Western officials grant Mr. Zelensky’s request, it is more likely that Ukraine will receive the older F-16s that are commonly used by other NATO nations.
‘It also reaffirms our long-term commitment to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine for many years,’ the statement continues.
Approximately 10,000 Ukrainian recruits were trained in the United Kingdom during the past six months.
The first troops came in Britain last week to learn how to command Challenger 2 tanks, as a result of the Prime Minister’s decision to provide the necessary equipment.
As a result of Russia’s continuous shelling of Ukraine, the government will announce more sanctions today.
No10 stated that this will involve going after “those who have helped Putin amass his personal fortune” and “companies profiting from the Kremlin’s war machine.”
In the latest display of support for Mr. Zelensky’s forces, the United Kingdom will train Ukrainian pilots to operate advanced NATO fighter jets.
In addition, the United Kingdom would provide intermediate training for Ukrainian marines and has pledged a “immediate surge” of military materiel, including long-range weapons.
Downing Street stated that the government is pursuing a ‘two-pronged’ strategy, with more military equipment now to fight a spring push by Russia, and future help.
No. 10 has described the pilot programme as a “long-term capability investment” due to the length of training required. Despite Ukraine’s urgent need for fighter jets to counter the Russian air force, No. 10 has stated that the pilot programme is a “long-term capability investment” due to the length of training.
The training will ensure that pilots will be able to fly advanced fighter jets according to NATO standards in the future.
While the United Kingdom runs F-35 and Typhoon jets, if Western officials grant Mr. Zelensky’s request, it is more likely that Ukraine will receive the older F-16s that are commonly used by other NATO nations.
»Zelensky meets Rishi Sunak and King Charles in the UK today«