KYIV: Rishi Sunak’s unexpected visit to Ukraine to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday coincides with the UK’s announcement of a commitment to provide £2.5bn in military aid to the country for the upcoming year.
Amid concerns that global attention is waning as the conflict with Russian forces persists, the Ukrainian president has urged western allies for increased support. The ongoing crisis in the Middle East, with Israel’s continued bombardment of Gaza, has diverted international focus from the ongoing struggle against Vladimir Putin.
Prior to his meeting with Zelensky, the prime minister emphasized the UK’s unwavering support for Kyiv. This statement comes in the wake of joint UK and US military strikes against Houthi rebel targets in Yemen. Sunak highlighted Ukraine’s two-year-long fight against a brutal Russian invasion, praising their courage and determination to defend their country and uphold the principles of freedom and democracy.
“I am here today with one message: the UK will also not falter. We will stand with Ukraine, in their darkest hours and in the better times to come.”
