Zelensky in London, who promises “hundreds” of missiles and attack drones in Kiev

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in the United Kingdom on Monday, where he pledged “hundreds” of anti-aircraft missiles and drones to attack, as Kiev prepares to retaliate against Russian troops.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak greets Volodymyr Zelensky as he disembarks from the helicopter that took him to his country residence in Checkers, north-west London.

After Rome, Berlin and Paris, the Ukrainian head of state thus continues his European tour in search of additional military commitment from his allies in the United Kingdom.

“The United Kingdom has been a leader in providing us with additional land and air resources. This cooperation will continue, ”said the President of Ukraine on Twitter, announcing his visit to London, where he had already visited in February.

On the occasion of this new visit, London will thus deliver “hundreds” of attack drones with a range of over 200 kilometres, along with “hundreds” of anti-aircraft missiles.

“The equipment will be delivered over the coming months as Ukraine prepares to step up resistance to the ongoing Russian aggression,” Downing Street said in a statement.

Last week, the United Kingdom had already announced the supply of Storm Shadow long-range cruise missiles to Kiev, becoming the first country to deliver this type of long-range weapon, which can hit up to 250 km.

“This is an important moment for the resistance of Ukrainians in the face of the terrible aggression they chose not to provoke,” Mr Sunak, quoted in the press release, said.

“We should not let them down (…) It is in everyone’s interest to ensure that Ukraine is successful and that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s brutality is not rewarded”, a- he said.

– “As long as necessary” –

On Sunday, France, where Mr Zelensky met President Emmanuel Macron, pledged to equip several battalions with “dozens of armored vehicles and light tanks including the AMX-10 RC”, often used in reconnaissance missions.

In Germany, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz assured that his country would support Ukraine “as long as necessary”, and announced a new military aid plan worth 2.7 billion euros, including the delivery of several tanks, armor and air defense systems.

Berlin’s support for Kiev reached 17 billion euros, Scholz said, the second largest contribution after the United States.

In terms of military equipment alone, London is Ukraine’s first-hour support, Kiev’s second biggest supplier, having provided or promised £4.6 billion (5.3 billion euros) in aid for 2022-2023.

The United Kingdom, in particular, delivered anti-tank missiles, artillery guns, air defense systems, armored fighting vehicles.

It supplied British Challenger tanks to Ukraine and trained Ukrainian soldiers to operate them.

However, despite persistent requests by Kiev, no capital has moved forward on the delivery of the fighters.