Ukrainian President Zelensky travels to Great Britain
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected in the UK on Wednesday as part of a rare trip abroad. Downing Street surprisingly announced on Wednesday morning that Selensky would meet British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in London, address parliament and visit Ukrainian soldiers who are being trained by the British army.
The first and so far only publicly known trip abroad by Zelensky after the beginning of the Russian war of aggression had taken the President to Washington shortly before Christmas. Along with the USA and the EU, Great Britain is one of the most important supporters of Ukraine in its defensive struggle against Russia. Selenski had a close connection with ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson in particular. Sunak, who has headed the British government since October, has already traveled to Kyiv, pledged main battle tanks to Ukraine and promised continued military support.
On the occasion of Zelensky’s visit, London announced that it would expand its training program for Ukrainian soldiers. In the past six months, around 10,000 Ukrainians have undergone military training in Britain, and another 20,000 are expected to do so this year. According to Prime Minister Sunak, fighter pilots and marines will also be trained in the future.
“President Zelensky’s visit is a testament to the courage, determination and fighting spirit of his country and a testament to the unwavering friendship between our two countries,” said the conservative politician. According to the British, the expanded training program should enable Ukrainian pilots to fly NATO fighter jets in the future. The possible delivery of such aircraft to Ukraine is currently being intensively discussed.
After his stop in London, Selenski expected in Brussels on Thursday. The European Parliament had already said on Monday that there was a “probability of an extraordinary plenary session in the presence of the Ukrainian President”. On the same day, the heads of state and government of the EU countries will meet in Brussels for a summit. Selenski had been invited to personally attend a summit, said a spokesman for EU Council President Charles Michel on Monday evening.