Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky meets with Rishi Sunak in first visit to UK since Russia’s invasion

President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the “strong British character” on his first visit to the UK since Russia first invaded Ukraine last year.

He met with Rishi Sunak at Number 10 Downing Street, discussing whether Russian athletes should be banned from the 2024 Olympics, and will later visit Ukrainian troops. Zelensky also met King Charles at Buckingham Palace.

In a speech to Parliament, Zelensky thanked Britain on behalf of his country’s “war heroes”. With the sunlight shining through Westminster’s stained glass, he said: “I have come here and stand before you on behalf of the brave, on behalf of our war heroes who are now in the trenches under enemy artillery fire, on behalf of our air gunners, and every defender of the sky who protects Ukraine against enemy aircraft and missiles, on behalf of our tank men who fight to restore our Ukrainian borders, on behalf of our conscripts who are being trained now including here in Britain. Thank you, Britain.”

Glad in Ukrainian army uniform, the war leader thanked former prime minister Boris Johnson for the support he showed as Russia launched its invasion. He said: “London has stood with Kyiv since day one, from 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. Boris: you got others united when it seemed absolutely impossible. Thank you.”

Zelensky said a Ukrainian victory against Russia will deter aggressors around the world. The wartime leader told MPs: “We know freedom will win. We know Russia will lose. And we really know that the victory will change the world and this will be a change that the world has long needed.

“The United Kingdom is marching with us towards the most, I think, the most important victory of our lifetime. It will be a victory over the very idea of the war. After we win together, any aggressor, it doesn’t matter big or small, will know what awaits him if he attacks international order… any aggressor is going to lose.”

While King Charles III said he was delighted to welcome the Ukrainian President to Buckingham Palace. Zelensky replied that it was “a great honour to be here”, adding: “Thank you for finding the time for me.” The King said: “We’ve all been worried about you and thinking about your country for so long, I can’t tell you.”

The meeting continued in private, with the pair joined by the King’s principal private secretary Sir Clive Alderton and – from Ukraine – Andriy Yermak, head of the president’s office, and Dmytro Kuleba, minister of foreign affairs. It went on for 30 minutes, and they had tea.

The surprise visit came as the UK Prime Minister announced plans to train Ukrainian fighter pilots, paving the way for them eventually being able to fly sophisticated Nato-standard jets - a long-standing request from Zelensky. The Ukrainian President presented the Parliament with a Ukranian fighter pilot helmet, as a gesture of thanks. The UK is also set to announce fresh sanctions, targeting both those who have helped Vladimir Putin build his personal wealth and the firms which have profited from the war.

Opening Prime Minister’s Questions, Sunak told MPs: “I am delighted that President Zelensky is here in the United Kingdom today. It is a testament to the unbreakable friendship between our two countries and I am proud that we are expanding the training for Ukrainian forces to include jet pilots and marines, and ensure that Ukraine has a military able to defend its interests today and in to the future.”

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also focused on Ukraine during PMQs, commenting that the “House is honoured to be addressed today by President Zelensky”, who he said has “symbolised the heroism, the resolve, and the bravery of his people” since the outset of the war. The Prime Minister agreed - adding that the UK can be “proud that we came together to stand by Ukraine when the moment mattered”.

Earlier, Sunak said he is “proud” that the UK is expanding its “training from soldiers to marines and fighter jet pilots”, which he said will ensure Ukraine “has a military able to defend its interests well into the future.” He continued: “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.”

The expansion of the UK’s training programme to include jet fighter pilots is significant as Zelensky has been urging Western nations to supply planes. The UK has so far refused, arguing that the RAF’s F-35 and Typhoon jets take too long for pilots to train on.

But the announcement by No 10 signals a shift for the future, and officials said that “as part of that long-term capability investment” the UK will work with Ukraine and international allies “to co-ordinate collective support to meet Ukraine’s defensive needs”.

The UK has already announced plans to send Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine, with Ukrainian troops receiving training in how to operate them. These are expected to be sent to the country next month.

Sunak will offer longer-range firepower to help counter Russia’s ability to strike at Ukraine’s towns, energy facilities, and critical national infrastructure.

Recently, Germany announced plans to send Leopard 2 tanks to the frontline in Ukraine, following months of political debate. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also gave permission for other countries to export Leopard 2s, in a move Ukraine is hoping will be a game-changer on the battlefield.

Meanwhile, in December, Zelensky travelled to Washington to meet US President Joe Biden. It was his first known foreign trip since Russia invaded Ukraine last February.