Ukraine’s President Zelensky touches down in UK for first visit since war began

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has jetted into the UK for his first visit since the Russian invasion began nearly a year ago.

His plane touched down at Stansted Airport at 10.22am for the surprise trip, where he was met on the tarmac by Rishi Sunak.

The heroic war leader will hold talks with Mr Sunak at Downing Street after the Prime Minister announced plans to train Ukrainian pilots to allow them to fly sophisticated NATO-standard fighter jets.

Mr Zelensky and Mr Sunak will visit Ukrainian troops being trained in Britain later today.

The Ukrainian President will also hold an audience with King Charles and deliver an address to MPs in Parliament.

The visit is only Mr Zelensky’s second outside Ukraine since the war began after he made a whirlwind trip to the United States in December.

Mr Sunak tweeted a picture of himself embracing the Ukrainian leader, saying: “Welcome to the UK, President Zelensky.

“#SlavaUkraini.”

The expansion of the UK’s training programme to include jet fighter pilots is a significant move as Ukraine 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.

The Prime Minister 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.”

It comes as Foreign Secretary James Cleverly unveiled a fresh package of sanctions against the Russian military and Kremlin elites.

Six entities providing military equipment such as drones and helicopters to Russia have been slapped with sanctions.

The Foreign Office said that the sanctions also targeted five individuals linked to Vladimir Putin’s luxury residences, including presidential commissioner for entrepreneur’s rights Boris Titov and Aerostart owner Viktor Myachin.