Ukraine

Rishi Sunak meets President Zelensky during first visit to Ukraine

The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has travelled to Ukraine, in a signal of continuing UK support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his war-torn country.

Mr Sunak made his first visit to the country since taking office last month.

"Britain knows what it means to fight for freedom...we are with you all the way President Volodymyr Zelensky," Mr Sunak tweeted.

A Number 10 spokesperson said: "The Prime Minister is in Ukraine today for his first visit to Kyiv to meet President Zelensky and confirm continued UK support."

Following in the footsteps of both Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, Mr Sunak has pledged that UK support for Ukraine in the fight against Russia will remain steadfast.

The Prime Minister, who has spoken to Mr Zelensky on more than one occasion since entering Downing Street, used his appearance at the G20 summit this week to join with allies and other Western leaders to condemn Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion.

A video of the meeting, posted on Mr Sunak's Twitter account, shows him shaking hands with the Ukrainian leader in a snowy Kyiv.

"Welcome. How are you?" Mr Zelensky asks the Prime Minister.

"Really good to see you," Mr Sunak says as Mr Zelensky gestures at the falling snow.

The pair are shown shaking hands in front of the Union jack flag and Ukraine's flag, with the pair also shown holding a one-to-one meeting.

Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin joined the Prime Minister on the visit to Kyiv.

He said on Twitter: "Pleased to accompany the Prime Minister to Ukraine - my third visit to Kyiv - for briefings about the progress being made by Ukraine's forces and to announce further UK training and support."

Mr Zelensky's account later tweeted a thank you message to UK Prime Minister.

"Thank you, Rishi Sunak. With friends like you by our side, we are confident in our victory. Both of our nations know what it means to stand up for freedom".

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