“We will stand with Ukraine in their darkest hours”: PM Sunak arrives in Kyiv

On Friday, January 12, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak, arrived in Kyiv. During his visit, he is set to announce the provision of £2.5 billion (over $3 billion) in military support to Ukraine.

Suspilne reported, citing the British government's website, that the United Kingdom would provide £2.5 billion in military assistance to Ukraine in 2024-2025, which is £200 million more than in the previous two years.

At least £200 million is allocated to purchase and produce thousands of military drones for Ukraine, including reconnaissance, strike, and maritime drones.

"This will be the largest delivery of drones to Ukraine from any country. Most drones are expected to be manufactured in the United Kingdom," London announced.

The Prime Minister will meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukrainian officials as part of the visit. Sunak and President Zelensky will sign an agreement on security cooperation between Ukraine and the United Kingdom.

According to the agreement, London will provide intelligence data exchange with Kyiv, ensure cybersecurity, provide medical and military training, and engage in defense-industry cooperation.

"The United Kingdom is the first country to finalize the agreement. This symbolic agreement is intended to be the first step in developing an enduring century-old partnership between Ukraine and the United Kingdom," they said.

MP Oleksii Honcharenko commented, "This is the best response to Putin, who today convenes the UN Security Council regarding the US and UK operation against Iran's friends — the Houthis in Yemen."

The British prime minister will address the plenary session of the Ukrainian parliament. 

As reported earlier by Rubryka, on Friday, January 12, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak, will visit Kyiv.

UK Assistance

The United Kingdom was one of the first countries to support Ukraine at the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion. London provided military, financial, and humanitarian assistance, including Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine, long-range Storm Shadow missiles, and training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets.

It was also reported that after the massive Russian attack on January 29, the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom approved the transfer of a new batch of missiles to Ukraine's air defense systems.

Britain also advocates for Ukraine's NATO membership and openly criticizes the Kremlin regime.

In May 2023, President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Britain and held a series of meetings, including with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

On January 10, Volodymyr Zelensky visited the Baltic countries. He first visited Lithuania, then Estonia and Latvia. The President held negotiations with colleagues and prime ministers and signed bilateral agreements.