Britain has announced plans to train Ukrainian pilots to fly NATO-standard fighter jets, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy makes the first visit to the UK since the Russian invasion began a year ago.
The Ukrainian leader will have an audience with King Charles and address Parliament during the trip, which is only his second overseas visit since Russian President Vladimir Putin’s forces invaded his country on Feb. 24, 2022.
British Prime Minister Rishi 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.”
Zelenskyy said it is a “great honour” to be visiting the UK as he thanked the country for its support.
‘Immediate Surge’
Ahead of the talks, Downing Street said there will be an “immediate surge of military equipment” to Ukraine to help counter Russia’s spring offensive, including longer-range capabilities that will “disrupt Russia’s ability to continually target Ukraine’s civilian and critical national infrastructure and help relieve pressure on Ukraine’s frontlines.”Sunak will also offer to bolster the UK’s training offer for Ukrainian troops, including “expanding it to fighter jet pilots,” said the government.
The training will “ensure pilots are able to fly sophisticated NATO-standard fighter jets” and enable Ukraine to “defend its skies well into the future.”
The UK will also offer to begin an “immediate training programme for marines,” said Downing Street.
The UK government said it has already trained 10,000 Ukrainian troops in the last six months, and will “upskill a further 20,000 Ukrainian soldiers this year.”
More Sanctions
The UK also announced a fresh package of sanctions on Russian firms and allies of Putin to coincide with Zelenskyy’s surprise visit.CST, a manufacturer of Russian drones, and RT-Komplekt, which produces parts for helicopters used in the war against Ukraine, are among the entities sanctioned.
Five individuals linked to Putin’s luxury residences, including presidential commissioner for entrepreneurs’ rights Boris Titov and Aerostart owner Viktor Myachin, were also hit with travel bans and asset freezes.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: “These new sanctions accelerate the economic pressure on Putin—undermining his war machine to help Ukraine prevail.
“I am determined, consistent with our laws, that Russia will have no access to the assets we have frozen until it ends, once and for all, its threats to Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty and integrity.”
