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

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in London on Monday, according to Downing Street, where he is due to meet with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who has promised the imminent delivery of “hundreds” of anti-aircraft missiles and attack drones to Kyiv.

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After Rome, Berlin and Paris, the Ukrainian head of state is thus continuing his European tour in the United Kingdom, in search of an additional military commitment from his allies before the announced counter-offensive of his army against Russian troops.

“The UK has been a leader in providing us with additional ground and air assets. This cooperation will continue,” said the Ukrainian president on Twitter, announcing his departure for London, where he had already visited last February.

Volodymyr Zelensky is to meet with Rishi Sunak at the Prime Minister’s Checkers country residence, who announced new military aid to Kyiv shortly before the Ukrainian president’s arrival.

London will thus deliver “hundreds” of anti-aircraft missiles as well as “hundreds” of attack drones with a range of more than 200 km.

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

Last week, the United Kingdom had already announced the supply of long-range Storm Shadow missiles to Kyiv.

“This is a crucial moment for the resistance of the Ukrainians in the face of the terrible aggression that they did not choose to provoke,” said Mr. Sunak, quoted in the press release.

“We must not let them down (…) It is in everyone’s interest to ensure that Ukraine succeeds and that the barbarism of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is not rewarded”, a- he added.

On Sunday, France, where Mr Zelensky met President Emmanuel Macron, pledged to train and equip several battalions with “dozens of armored vehicles and light tanks, including AMX-10 RCs”, 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 of 2.7 billion euros, including the delivery of many tanks, armor and air defense systems.

Berlin’s support for kyiv reaches 17 billion euros, Scholz pointed out, the second largest contribution after the United States.

However, no capital has come forward on the delivery of combat planes, insistently requested by Kyiv.

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