ARAB AND WORLD
Mon 15 May 2023 12:11 pm - Jerusalem Time
Zelinsky arrives in Britain.. and London pledges more military support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in London on Monday, according to the British government, where he will meet with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who promised to deliver "hundreds" of anti-aircraft missiles and offensive marches to Kiev soon.
Zelensky's visit comes within the framework of a European tour that led him to Rome, Berlin and Paris, in which he is looking for an additional military pledge from his allies before the counterattack that his army is preparing against the Russian forces.
"The United Kingdom was a pioneer in providing us with additional land and air equipment. This cooperation will continue," the Ukrainian president said in a tweet, announcing his departure to London, which he had previously visited in February.
Zelensky is scheduled to meet Rishi Sunak at Checkers, the summer residence of the prime minister who just before the Ukrainian president's arrival announced new military aid to Kiev.
The United Kingdom will deliver to Ukraine "hundreds" of anti-aircraft missiles and offensive marches with a range of more than 200 kilometers.
And the Presidency of the Government said in a statement that these equipment will be delivered "in the coming months, as Ukraine prepares to strengthen its resistance to the ongoing Russian invasion."
Last week, the United Kingdom announced that it would provide Kiev with long-range Storm Shadow missiles.
"It is a defining moment for the resistance of Ukrainians in the face of the terrible aggression they did not choose," the statement quoted Sunak as saying.
"We must not let them down (...) It is in everyone's interest to ensure that Ukraine succeeds and that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's barbarism is not rewarded," he added.
On Sunday, France, where Zelensky met President Emmanuel Macron, pledged to train a number of Ukrainian battalions and equip them with dozens of AMX-10RC armored vehicles and light tanks, which are often used in reconnaissance missions.
In Berlin, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz confirmed on Sunday his country's support for Kiev "as long as it is necessary" and announced a new military aid plan for Ukraine worth 2.7 billion euros, which includes many tanks, armored vehicles and anti-aircraft defense systems.
Scholz said that Berlin's support for Kiev amounted to 17 billion euros, the largest contribution after the United States.
On the other hand, no capital has talked about the delivery of combat aircraft, which Kiev insists on requesting.
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Zelinsky arrives in Britain.. and London pledges more military support