Zelensky calls for Odesa defense after Russia’s shelling during his talks with British PM

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked the UK for military support during a phone call with British PM Rishi Sunak.

Without Russian acquiescence, Ukraine faces an uphill struggle to export its own grain by sea.

The President emphasized that Ukraine has already successfully demonstrated the possibility of exporting grain via an alternative route three times.

We are ready to do this in the future. But in order to guarantee the safety of navigation, we need the help of partners, in particular, a significant strengthening of the air defense system of Odesa region, Zelensky stressed.

Both leaders paid attention to the continuation of defense cooperation between the two states, particularly the possible participation of British representatives in the Forum of Defense Industries, which will be held in Ukraine in the autumn.

The parties also discussed the impact of the Russian grain blockade of the Black Sea on Ukraine and food supplies around the world.

Zelensky and Sunak noted the start of work on bilateral security documents within the framework of the G7 Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine.

The President and the Prime Minister also coordinated their attitudes on the eve of important international events and discussed the next steps in the preparation of the Global Peace Summit.

The day before, Zelensky met with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.