UK to train Ukrainian marines and fighter jet pilots as Zelensky visits
The UK is expanding its training package for Ukrainian forces to include fighter jet pilots and marines as Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky makes his first visit to the UK since Russia's invasion.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced plans to train Ukrainian pilots, paving the way for them eventually being able to fly sophisticated Nato-standard jets, a key request from Mr Zelensky.
To coincide with the Ukrainian President's visit, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly announced a fresh round of sanctions against the Russian military and some Kremlin figures.
Downing Street said the surprise visit would see Mr Zelensky meet the Prime Minister, visit Ukrainian troops and address Parliament.
On arriving in the UK, he was greeted by Mr Sunak.
The Prime Minister tweeted a picture of the pair, with Mr Sunak embracing his Ukrainian counterpart at Stansted airport.
"Welcome to the UK, President Zelensky," he tweeted.
This afternoon Mr Zelensky will meet the King for an audience at Buckingham Palace.
The Ukrainian President will be greeted in the Palace quadrangle before being taken to meet the monarch inside the royal residence.
Mr Sunak said: "President Zelensky’s visit to the UK is a testament to his country’s courage, determination and fight, and a testament to the unbreakable friendship between our two countries.
"Since 2014, the UK has provided vital training to Ukrainian forces, allowing them to defend their country, protect their sovereignty and fight for their territory.
"I am proud that today we will expand that training from soldiers to marines and fighter jet pilots, ensuring Ukraine has a military able to defend its interests well into the future.
"It also underlines our commitment to not just provide military equipment for the short term, but a long-term pledge to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine for years to come."
The expansion of the UK’s training programme to include jet fighter pilots is significant as Mr Zelensky has been urging Western nations to supply planes.
The UK has so far refused, arguing that the RAF’s F-35 and Typhoon jets take too long for pilots to train on.
But the announcement by No 10 signals a shift for the future, and officials said that "as part of that long-term capability investment” the UK will work with Ukraine and international allies “to co-ordinate collective support to meet Ukraine’s defensive needs".
Ukrainian troops are already being trained in the use of Challenger 2 tanks, which are expected to be sent to the country next month.
Mr Sunak will offer longer-range firepower to help counter Russia’s ability to strike at Ukraine’s towns and energy facilities.
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