Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated from Chequers that Ukraine needs “more time” for its counteroffensive against Russian forces, while Rishi Sunak disclosed that the United Kingdom will “relatively soon” be prepared to assist Ukraine in training its pilots to operate Western fighter aircraft.
After face-to-face discussions with Rishi Sunak, the president of Ukraine vowed to form a “jets coalition” as the United Kingdom pledged to dispatch hundreds of new long-range attack drones to Ukraine.
After discussing military aid for his country with Mr. Sunak at Chequers, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that jets are “a very important topic for us because we cannot control the sky.”
“I believe you will hear significant decisions shortly, but we still have some work to do,” he added.
As a result of the opening of a new flying school, the prime minister disclosed the United Kingdom would “relatively soon” begin training Ukrainian pilots to operate Western fighter jets.
As Ukraine’s troops prepare for a counteroffensive against Russia’s invading forces, Mr. Sunak said the two discussed “long-term” security arrangements from allied nations for Ukraine.
Mr. Zelenskyy said Kyiv needs “more time” to prepare as he began a multi-stop European tour to win supporters.
New aviation school in the UK
This summer, according to Downing Street, an elementary flight phase for Ukrainian pilot cohorts will commence.
The prime minister tweeted that it will provide them with “the training necessary to operate different types of aircraft” and enable them to “better defend their citizens against Russian aggression.”
It follows the government’s announcement of additional air defense missiles and unmanned aerial systems. Including hundreds of new long-range attack drones with a range of more than 200 kilometers.
They will be shipped within the next few months.
“Thankful from the bottom of our hearts” for government help, Mr. Zelenskyy said from the prime minister’s country hideaway.
Kremlin attacks British support for Ukraine
It follows last week’s confirmation that the United Kingdom will donate long-range precision missiles to the Ukrainian military.
Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Kremlin, told that the United Kingdom’s support for Ukraine makes things more difficult for Ukraine and that the Kremlin views the move “extremely negatively.”
He stated, “We view this move by the United Kingdom very negatively.” The United Kingdom aspires to lead those nations that continue to supply Ukraine with armaments. I reiterate that this will not have any significant influence on the course of the special military operation.”
Zelenskyy remained silent about the counteroffensive.
Long-planned Ukrainian spring counteroffensives could be aided by British support aid.
Mr. Zelenskyy stated at Chequers that his military required “some more time” before launching one.
“We need additional time, but not too much. “We will be ready shortly,” he said.
“There are some secrets kept by our ‘neighbors,’ so we must be prepared.”
It comes as intense fighting persists in the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, with heavy casualties on both sides.
Despite months of combat, neither Kyiv nor Moscow’s forces have been able to take full control of the city, as analysis suggests that the battle for the city is not about capturing territory but rather maximizing enemy casualties.
