Ukraine's Zelensky makes surprise visit to London, seeking more arms

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a surprise visit to Britain, his second trip abroad since the onset of war with Russia, seeking more arms.

According to Press TV, after a brief visit to the United States in December, Zelensky's jet landed in Stansted Airport, north of London, aboard a UK Royal Air Force C-17 transport plane on Wednesday, almost a year after Russia launched a special operation in his country.

The Ukrainian president received a red carpet welcome by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The pair then went to Downing Street to hold talks before Zelensky delivered a speech to the UK parliament in Westminster Hall.

Addressing British parliamentarians, Zelensky, on behalf of Ukraine's so-called “war heroes”, expressed gratitude to Britain for its support in the war against Russia, saying his country's "heroes are in the trenches protecting Ukraine against missiles."

“London has stood with Kiev since day one. Since the first seconds and minutes of the full-scale war. Great Britain, you extended your helping hand when the world had not yet come to understand how to react,” The Ukrainian leader further said, adding that the UK "is marching with us to the most important victory of our lifetimes."

During the brief meeting at Downing Street, Sunak stressed that the visit was a testament to Ukraine's "courage, determination and fight and ... to the unbreakable friendship between our two countries."

On Wednesday, Zelensky will also meet with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace before travelling to see Ukrainian troops being trained in Britain.

Zelensky is expected to address the European Parliament on Thursday before attending a summit of EU leaders.

Since former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson stepped down last year, Sunak has pledged to continue to support Ukraine, visiting Kiev in November to tell Zelensky: "We are with you all the way."

According to the British Defense Ministry, Britain has trained 10,000 Ukrainian troops brought to battle readiness in the last six months and will train a further 20,000 troops this year.

Last week, Ukrainian troops landed in Britain to learn how to command British-made Challenger 2 tanks, as London will offer to provide Kiev with longer range capabilities, the Ministry added in a statement.

However, despite Kiev's repeated requests, London has so far refused to deliver fighter jets, saying it was not "the right approach" for now.

Last week, Sunak's spokesman said that for a pilot to learn how to fly a British fighter jet requires at least 35 months of training.

ME