Zelenskyy is seeking military aid and approval of long-range weapons in London discussions, with more European meetings scheduled.
The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in London, England on 10 October to hold crucial discussions with British Prime Minister Keir Slatter and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The Guardian reports that the visit is part Zelenskyy’s ongoing efforts to secure more military support from Western Allies in response to continued Russian aggression.
Despite Ukraine’s long-running appeals in the face of escalating Russian attacks, Western nations including the US and UK continue to restrict their use of long-range weapons such as ATACMS missiles and Storm Shadow missiles, reportedly, to avoid further escalation.
According to a spokesperson for Downing Street, Prime Minister Starmer would be expected to reiterate “the UK’s ironclad support for Ukraine” at the meeting. The focus of the talks is on Ukraine’s request for increased military aid, and specifically the authorization to use long range weapons against targets in Russia.
According to the Ukrainian President’s Office, Zelenskyy is on a wider diplomatic tour. He will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the next 24 hours.
The Ukrainian leader has pressed Western governments to provide more robust military assistance, including the greenlight for firing long-range British Storm Shadow missiles and US ATACMS into Russian territory. The spokesperson for Downing Street stated that the UK government had not changed its position on approving such actions.
Zelenskyy, who appeared with NATO chief Mark Rutte last week in Kyiv, expressed frustration at the Western allies.
“We need enough quantity and quality weapons, including long range weapons that, in my view, our partners are already dragging their feet.”
Zelenskyy called on NATO members to play a more active part in helping Ukraine defend itself against Russian aerial attacks.
Zelenskyy is making his second visit to Downing Street following Starmer’s July election victory. The Guardian notes that during his previous visit the Ukrainian president was the first foreign leader since Bill Clinton to address the British Cabinet.
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