Second trip since the beginning of the war: Selenskyj arrives in London for a surprise visit

Second trip since the beginning of the war
Selenskyj arrives in London for a surprise visit

After the United States, Britain is the second country that Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has visited since the Russian invasion. Together with Prime Minister Sunak he visits Ukrainian troops who are being trained by the British. A reception with the British king is also planned.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in the UK on a rare trip abroad. Selenskyj was received in London by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. After speaking to Sunak, Downing Street surprisingly announced that he would turn to Parliament and visit Ukrainian soldiers being trained by the British Army. As the palace announced, a reception at King Charles III. Part of the visit plan.

Zelenskyy’s first and only publicly known trip abroad after the start of the Russian war of aggression took 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. Zelenskyj 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 Zelenskyj’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 Zelenskyy’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.

Visit also expected in Brussels

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. In the first months of the Ukraine war, Zelenskyj had already spoken to many Western parliaments via video link and campaigned for support for his country – including the British House of Commons. The President is also a regular virtual guest at international summits.

After his stop in London, Zelenskyj is expected in Brussels on Thursday. The European Parliament 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. Selenskyj had been invited to personally attend a summit, said a spokesman for EU Council President Charles Michel on Monday evening.

According to their own statements, the EU and its member states have so far mobilized almost 50 billion euros for Ukraine. Numerous sanctions were also imposed on Russia. Great Britain also wanted to take further measures against Russia on Wednesday.

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