War in Ukraine: Volodymyr Zelensky visits the UK in search of fighter jets

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a surprise visit to the UK on Wednesday, for the first time since the start of the war with Russia, to thank for the help received so far by London, its second largest donor after Washington, and to redouble its efforts to receive fighters.

Vladimir Zelensky He gave a symbolic speech in Westminster Hall, the foyer of the British Parliament, during which he presented the Speaker of the House of Commons with a pilot’s helmet engraved with the text: “We have freedom, give us wings to protect it.”

London has not decided whether to supply Kiev with aircraft, but has taken a “first step” in that direction by promising to train Ukrainian pilots to fly NATO fighter jets, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said during the day.

“All options are being discussed,” the head of government said at a press conference after visiting the Lulworth military training camp in southwest England. Vladimir Zelensky it seemed for granted that he would eventually get fighters what claims

“I will leave this parliament today thanking you all in advance for the powerful British aircraft,” said the Ukrainian leader in Westminster, who is meeting in Paris on Thursday with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. address the European Parliament in Brussels.

During his visit to the UK Vladimir Zelensky was received at Buckingham Palace by the head of the British state, King Charles III, who expressed “concern” about the situation in Ukraine.

In the afternoon, he and Sunak moved to a training camp in Dorset, where the British Army trains Ukrainian soldiers before they are sent to the front lines to try to contain the invasion of Ukraine. Russia.

Both leaders also signed a “declaration of unity” in which they declare that the war launched by the Kremlin is “aggression against the security of Europe”, and in black and white leave the will that London and Kiev continue to be “the most devoted allies.” “.

“Long term” solution

In a joint statement to the press at the end of the day, the possibility of the United Kingdom sending fighter jets to Ukraine focused questions from journalists.

Sunak praised the assistance so far sent by his government, which has provided £2,300 million (€2,600 million) in military aid to Kiev, and did not rule out a future supply of aircraft, although he stressed that this was a possible long-term perspective. solution.

“We announced that we will train the Ukrainian Air Force (handling) with standard NATO platforms. The first step to being able to offer modern aircraft is to have soldiers capable of using them. It’s a process that takes time, but we did it. started today,” he said.

Its spokesman has previously specified that it takes a pilot five years of training to master the controls of the Typhoon, the most advanced fighter aircraft in the British Royal Air Force (RAF), and ruled out that this model is an option for Ukraine.

In the short term, Sunak stressed, Ukraine you need tanks and long range missiles to deal with the offensive Russia.

The head of government said that a fleet of 14 Challenger 2 tanks, already announced by London, would be available to Kyiv next month, and assured that UK support in the “long term” would not waver.

“After all, you yourself told me that international unity is your greatest weapon. You can be sure that we will deal with this not only now, but also in the future,” said Sunak. Vladimir Zelensky. (As reported by EFE)

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