Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky holds talks with PM Rishi Sunak, meet King Charles III in UK

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in the UK to hold talks with PM Rishi Sunak and meet the King. He was received by the Prime Minister upon landing at Stansted Airport on Wednesday morning for his first visit to the UK since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Zelensky and Sunak travelled together to Downing Street, where the Ukrainian President was greeted with applause behind the doors of Number 10. The Ukrainian President expressed gratitude to Sunak for the invitation and stated it was an honor to be in the UK, thanking Britain for their support since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. He also mentioned having good relations with Sunak.

Zelensky's visit to the UK marks only his second journey outside Ukraine since the invasion began. He had gone to the US earlier.


The Ukrainian President, while addressing the MPs and peers in the Parliament, called for the UK to send fighter jets to Ukraine.

The President also has a meeting with King Charles at Buckingham Palace and will also visit Ukrainian troops undergoing training in the UK.

During their talks, Zelensky and Sunak discussed the ongoing support for Ukraine by the UK, including an imminent increase in military aid.

Shortly after Zelensky's arrival, the UK announced additional sanctions against Russia, targeting six entities involved in providing military equipment, including drones, to Russia, and eight individuals and one entity connected to "nefarious financial networks" supporting the wealth and power of Kremlin elites, according to the government.

In December, British leader Rishi Sunak made his first visit to Kyiv as Prime Minister and pledged a £50 million aid package to enhance Ukraine's air defense capabilities. His predecessor, Boris Johnson, had a strong relationship with Zelensky and was a vocal supporter of Ukraine.

FAQs:

1. When did Volodymyr Zelensky become President of Ukraine?
   May 20, 2019.
2. When did Russia invade Ukraine?
   February 24, 2022.