Speaking from Chequers, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine needs “more time” for its counteroffensive against Russian forces, as Rishi Sunak revealed the UK will be ready to help train Ukrainian pilots to use Western fighter jets “relatively soon”.
Ukraine’s president wants to create a “jets coalition” after face-to-face talks with Rishi Sunak, as the UK pledged to send hundreds of new long-range attack drones to Ukraine.
After discussions with Mr Sunak at Chequers about military aid for his country, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said jets are a “very important topic for us because we can’t control the sky”.
“I think you will hear important decisions in the closest time, but we have to work a bit more,” he added.
The prime minister revealed the UK would start training Ukrainian pilots to use Western fighter jets “relatively soon”, helped by the opening of a new flying school.
Mr Sunak said the pair discussed “long-term” security arrangements from allied countries for Ukraine, as its troops prepare for a counteroffensive against Russia’s invading forces.
Mr Zelenskyy said Kyiv needs “more time” to prepare, as he embarks on a multi-stop European tour for increased support from allies.
Downing Street said an elementary flying phase for cohorts of Ukrainian pilots will begin this summer.
The prime minister tweeted it will give them the “training they need to handle different types of aircraft” and “better defend their citizens against Russian aggression”.
It comes after the government announced the further provision of hundreds of air defence missiles, and further unmanned aerial systems, including hundreds of new long-range attack drones with a range of over 200km.
They will be delivered over the coming months.
Speaking from the prime minister’s country retreat, Mr Zelenskyy said Ukrainians are “thankful from all our hearts” for support provided by the government.
Kremlin hits out against UK’s support for Ukraine
It follows confirmation last week the UK is donating long-range precision missiles to Ukraine’s military.
In response, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Sky News that the UK’s support for Ukraine makes things more difficult for the country and said it takes the step “extremely negatively”.
He said: “We take this step by the UK extremely negatively. Great Britain aspires to stand at the forefront of those countries that continue to pump weapons to Ukraine. I repeat once again this cannot have any significant, fundamental impact on the cours eof the special military operation”.
Zelenskyy tight-lipped on counteroffensive
British support aid could help a long mooted spring counteroffensive by Ukraine.
Speaking at Chequers, Mr Zelenskyy said his military required “some more time” before launching one.
“We really need some more time – not too much. We’ll be ready in some time,” he said.