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Ukraine: Zelensky meets King and thanks Britain ‘in advance’ for fighter jets

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky met King Charles for the first time while on a trip to the UK to drum up support for his country’s defence against Russia.

Mr Zelensky’s plea for British fighter jets took a step closer to being met after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak asked his defence secretary to investigate which planes the RAF could send to Ukraine.

In a speech to parliament, the Ukrainian president thanked Britain “in advance for powerful English planes”, which he had repeatedly asked for in a bid to gain advantage over Russia in the skies.

Mr Sunak earlier announced Britain would train Ukrainian fighter pilots to fly Nato jets, as he prepared to discuss further arms supplies with Mr Zelensky in Downing Street.

Key Points

  • Zelensky meets King Charles

  • Britain takes step towards sending jets to Ukraine

  • Thanks in advance for ‘powerful English planes’, says Zelensky

  • Ukrainian pilots to be trained in Britain

  • Britain pushing for Ukraine’s victory, says Sunak

UK pushing for Ukraine’s victory, says Sunak

Wednesday 8 February 2023 12:49 , Liam James

The UK “will continue to support Ukraine to ensure decisive military victory on the battlefield this year”, Rishi Sunak said.

Addressing the British parliament after a meeting at Downing Street with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, the prime minister said: “Our objective remains to ensure a Ukrainian victory in this conflict.

“Vladimir Putin’s aggression cannot be seen in any way to have been successful and that’s why we have accelerated and increased our support militarily for Ukraine this year.”

Sunak and Zelensky in Downing Street earlier (POOL/AFP/Getty)
Sunak and Zelensky in Downing Street earlier (POOL/AFP/Getty)

Wednesday 8 February 2023 16:45 , Liam James

That’s the end of The Independent’s live coverage of President Zelensky’s visit to Britain.

You can catch up on the day’s events below, or, if you only have time for the essentials, have a read of Kate Devlin’s report on Britain’s step towards supplying war planes to Ukraine.

Zelensky in surprise visit to UK – first since Russia invasion

Wednesday 8 February 2023 09:47 , Liam James

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky will make his first visit to the UK since Russia’s invasion of his country today, Downing Street has said (Adam Forrest writes).

No 10 said the surprise visit would see the war leader meet Rishi Sunak and address MP in parliament later on Wednesday.

The prime minister also announced plans to train Ukrainian fighter jet pilots as part of a long-term UK investment in its ally.

Mr Sunak said on Wednesday that he was “proud” to announce an expansion in training from soldiers to fighter jet pilots and marines, “ensuring Ukraine has a military able to defend its interests well into the future”.

Zelensky in surprise visit to UK – first since Russia invasion

Russia planning new offensive, could target Kharkiv or Zaporizhzhia

Wednesday 8 February 2023 10:15 , Liam James

Top Ukrainian officials including President Volodymyr Zelensky have said Moscow will attempt to mount another major offensive with newly mobilised troops in the coming weeks as the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion on 24 February nears.

Ukraine’s national security chief Oleksy Danilov said in an interview on Tuesday that the Kremlin is expected to target the northeastern Kharkiv or southern Zaporizhzhia regions in a new thrust.

“They need to have something to show before their people, and have a major desire to do something big, as they see it, by this date,” Mr Danilov said.

After Russia failed to capture the Ukrainian capital Kyiv last year and lost ground in the second half of 2022, Moscow is now making full use of hundreds of thousands of troops it called up in the autumn in its first mobilisation since World War Two.

The last few weeks have seen Russia boast of its first gains for half a year. But the progress has been incremental, with Moscow yet to capture a single major settlement in its winter campaign despite losing thousands of troops.

Mr Danilov echoed earlier predictions by Kyiv that Russia still wants to capture all of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in the east that Moscow claimed as its own territory last year in referendums dismissed by Ukraine and the West as a sham.

A Ukrainian serviceman of the artillery unit of the 80th Air Assault Brigade confirms the positions near Bakhmut, Donetsk (AFP/Getty)
A Ukrainian serviceman of the artillery unit of the 80th Air Assault Brigade confirms the positions near Bakhmut, Donetsk (AFP/Getty)

Volodymyr Zelensky lands in UK

Wednesday 8 February 2023 10:25 , Liam James

Watch live as Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky lands at Britain’s Stansted airport:

King Charles to hold reception with Zelensky

Wednesday 8 February 2023 10:33 , Liam James

King Charles will hold an audience with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky today, Buckingham Palace said.

The president has landed at Stansted airport and is set to visit London, where he will also meet Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and address the British parliament.

Moment President Zelensky arrives in UK

Wednesday 8 February 2023 10:46 , Liam James

Independent TV has clipped the moment Volodymyr Zelensky touched down in Britain.

The Ukrainian president was in the country to push for stronger arms support, in his first trip to the UK since the Russian invasion last year.

Moment Zelensky arrives in UK in first visit since Ukraine war began

Ukrainian pilots to be trained in Britain

Wednesday 8 February 2023 11:05 , Liam James

Ukrainian pilots are to be trained by the UK to fly sophisticated Nato fighter planes, Downing Street said ahead of today’s visit to Britain by Volodymyr Zelensky.

The UK will also offer an intermediate training programme for Ukrainian marines and has promised an “immediate surge” of military equipment including longer-range weapons.

Downing Street said the government is following a “two-pronged” approach, with more military kit now to counter a spring offensive by Russia, with long-term support for the future.

Although Ukraine is desperate for fighter jets immediately to counter the Russian air force, the length of the required training means that No 10 has said the pilot programme is a “long-term capability investment”.

The training will ensure pilots are able to fly sophisticated Nato-standard fighter jets in the future.

While the UK operates F-35 and Typhoon jets, the older F-16s widely operated by other Nato countries are more likely to be supplied to Ukraine, should Western leaders agree to Mr Zelensky’s requests.

Ukrainian soldiers take part in a training on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire last week (POOL/AFP/Getty)
Ukrainian soldiers take part in a training on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire last week (POOL/AFP/Getty)

President Zelensky arrives at Downing Street on UK visit

Wednesday 8 February 2023 11:09 , Liam James

Watch live as Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky arrives at Downing Street to meet Rishi Sunak.

Zelensky heading to Brussels tomorrow

Wednesday 8 February 2023 11:24 , Liam James

Volodymyr Zelensky is to visit Brussels tomorrow a European Union diplomat said on Wednesday.

The Ukrainian president is currently in London with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak before a meeting with King Charles and an address to parliament.

His trips aim to drum up support for Ukraine ahead of an expected Russian offensive.

Zelensky and Sunak arrive at Downing Street

Wednesday 8 February 2023 11:37 , Liam James

British prime minister Rishi Sunak and Ukrainian prime minister Volodymyr Zelensky have arrived at Downing Street where they will discuss further UK arms supplies for Ukraine as it prepares to defend against an expected Russian offensive.

Prime minister and president shake hands on No 10 steps (Reuters)
Prime minister and president shake hands on No 10 steps (Reuters)
Red carpet was laid out for Zelensky’s visit (Reuters)
Red carpet was laid out for Zelensky’s visit (Reuters)

Zelensky and Sunak: Pictured on Ukraine president’s first UK trip since Russian invasion

Wednesday 8 February 2023 11:44 , Liam James

Photographs have landed showing Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and British prime minister Rishi Sunak arriving at Downing Street.

 (PA)
(PA)
 (PA)
(PA)

Britain announces new Russia sanctions as Zelensky lands at Stansted

Wednesday 8 February 2023 11:48 , Liam James

The UK announced a new round of sanctions “on Russian military and Kremlin elites,” including six entities providing military equipment such as drones for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The sanctions also target eight individuals and one entity connected to financial networks that help “maintain wealth and power amongst Kremlin elites,” the government said in a statement as Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Britain.

“Ukraine has shown Putin that it will not break under his tyrannical invasion. He has responded by indiscriminately striking civilian areas and critical national infrastructure across the country,” Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said.

“We cannot let him succeed. We must increase our support.”

Cleverly at a training drill for Ukrainian troops on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire last week (POOL/AFP/Getty)
Cleverly at a training drill for Ukrainian troops on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire last week (POOL/AFP/Getty)

Thanks for the support, Zelensky tells Britain

Wednesday 8 February 2023 11:58 , Liam James

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Britain for its “big support from the first days of full-scale invasion” as he met Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Downing Street.

Mr Zelensky is in London to discuss further British arms supplies for Ukraine ahead of an offensive expected to be launched by Russia as the first year of its invasion comes to an end.

Zelensky outside 10 Downing Street (PA)
Zelensky outside 10 Downing Street (PA)

Zelensky leaves Downing Street after Sunak meeting

Wednesday 8 February 2023 12:05 , Liam James

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has left Downing Street after a meeting with Rishi Sunak.

Mr Zelensky is set to meet King Charles III and appear before parliament on his trip to Britain today.

Speaking as the Ukrainian president arrived at Downing Street, Mr Sunak said: “It’s a privilege to have you here, Volodymyr. We want to stand by you throughout this conflict and ensure that you’re victorious.”

Zelensky leaves No 10 Downing Street (Reuters)
Zelensky leaves No 10 Downing Street (Reuters)

Wednesday 8 February 2023 12:07 , Liam James

Rishi Sunak said he was “delighted” to host Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in Britain today.

Speaking before MPs in parliament for Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Sunak said the president's visit “is a testament to the unbreakable friendship between our two countries”.

Zelensky carries spirit of Ukraine, says Britain’s Starmer

Wednesday 8 February 2023 12:16 , Liam James

British leader of the opposition Sir Keir Starmer said Volodymyr Zelensky “embodies the heroism, the bravery and the resolve” of the Ukrainian people.

At Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons he asked Rishi Sunak if he agreed that continued support of Ukraine is “vital” and that Vladimir Putin must be defeated.

Mr Sunak said: “We will continue to stand with [Ukraine] united as one parliament and one United Kingdom.”

He went on: “Our aim is to ensure a Ukrainian victory in this conflict. Vladimir Putin's aggression cannot be seen in any way to have been successful.”

Sir Keir in the House of Commons today (Parliament TV)
Sir Keir in the House of Commons today (Parliament TV)

Russia must pay to rebuild Ukraine, says Starmer

Wednesday 8 February 2023 12:30 , Liam James

British opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer said the UK should force Russia to pay for rebuilding Ukraine with assets frozen as part of the sanctions regime brought against Moscow for invading Ukraine.

Since last February the UK has locked down billions of pounds worth of assets held by Russian individuals and companies in Britain.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said funds held in Britain will be set aside for a reconstruction fund for Ukraine and the government was working with allies to determine how the money could be diverted for rebuilding efforts.

Ukraine has suffered an estimated more than $100bn (£80bn) in damage to infrastructure since the Russian invasion. Rebuilding efforts by charities have already begun, as The Independent covered here.

UK wants Russian war trials ‘very shortly'

Wednesday 8 February 2023 12:37 , Liam James

Rishi Sunak said he is hopeful of seeing the first International Criminal Court (ICC) indictments linked to Russia’s renewed invasion of Ukraine “very shortly”.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer asked Mr Sunak if he agreed that “Putin and all his cronies must stand at The Hague and face justice” once the war is over.

Mr Sunak replied: “He’s absolutely right that we must hold those to account for the horrific crimes that they have committed.

“I’m proud the United Kingdom has played, again, a leadership role in this regard being one of the first countries to provide financial and technical support, putting investigators on the ground, we’re shortly to be hosting a conference together with the Dutch.

“And also one of the things I discussed with President Zelensky this morning is our support for the work of the ICC where, thanks to the efforts of UK members, I’m hopeful we will see the first indictments very shortly.”

Sunak and Zelensky in Downing Street earlier (POOL/AFP/Getty)
Sunak and Zelensky in Downing Street earlier (POOL/AFP/Getty)

Flight tracker shows Zelensky’s journey from Poland to UK

Wednesday 8 February 2023 12:50 , Liam James

Independent TV tracks the Ukrainian president’s flight over Europe to Britain this morning.

Zelensky to address UK MPs

Wednesday 8 February 2023 13:05 , Liam James

Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived for an address of Britain’s MPs on his first trip to the country since the Russian invasion.

Zelensky on Whitehall today (Reuters)
Zelensky on Whitehall today (Reuters)

Wednesday 8 February 2023 13:10 , Liam James

Taking to the lectern before MPs, Volodymyr Zelensky said: “I stand before you on behalf of the brave.”

He thanked the UK for training Ukrainian soldiers to fight on the frontlines “skilled, equipped and eager to win” against Russia.

 (Reuters)
(Reuters)

Zelensky recalls first trip to UK

Wednesday 8 February 2023 13:14 , Liam James

Volodymyr Zelensky told MPs a story about his first trip to London as president in 2020.

He said that sitting in the Churchill war rooms he was asked how he felt. “I knew I felt something. It is only know that I know what the feeling was, and all Ukrainians know the feeling perfectly well too.”

“It is how bravery takes you through enormous hardships to finally reward you with victory.”

‘Boris, thank you’: Zelensky praises former PM for support

Wednesday 8 February 2023 13:17 , Liam James

Volodymyr Zelesnky used an appearance before MPs to thank former British prime ministe Boris Johnson for his support in the early days of the Russian invasion.

“Boris, you got others united when it seemed absolutely impossible. Thank you,” Mr Zelensky said.

Boris Johnson watches Zelensky’s speech (Parliament TV)
Boris Johnson watches Zelensky’s speech (Parliament TV)

‘Evil will crumble,’ says Zelensky

Wednesday 8 February 2023 13:22 , Liam James

Addressing British MPs, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said “evil will crumble” as Kyiv’s forces fight back against the Russian invasion.

“Evil will crumble ... Freedom will win ... Russia will lose,” he said, as he thanked Britain for supporting Ukraine throughout the war.

Zelensky addressed MPs in Westminster Hall (PA)
Zelensky addressed MPs in Westminster Hall (PA)

Ukrainian victory will deter aggressors the world over, says Zelensky

Wednesday 8 February 2023 13:30 , Liam James

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has said a Ukrainian victory against Russia will deter aggressors around the world.

He told British parliamentarians gathered in Westminster Hall: “We really know that the victory will change the world and this will be a change that the world has long needed.

“The United Kingdom is marching with us towards the most, I think, the most important victory of our lifetime. It will be a victory over the very idea of the war.

“After we win together, any aggressor, it doesn’t matter big or small, will know what awaits him if he attacks international order... Any aggressor is going to lose.”

Zelensky thanks Britain ‘in advance’ for fighter jets

Wednesday 8 February 2023 13:35 , Liam James

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky used his address to parliament to urge the UK and the West to provide fighter jets, telling MPs: “Combat aircraft for Ukraine, wings for freedom.”

Mr Zelensky presented the British parliament’s speaker with a flight helmet worn by a Ukrainian fighter pilot before thanking the UK “in advance” for any future jet supplies.

Helmet presented to British speaker (Reuters)
Helmet presented to British speaker (Reuters)

Breaking: Vladimir Putin ‘supplied’ missile that downed MH17 missile, say investigators

Wednesday 8 February 2023 13:40 , Liam James

Vladimir Putin personally signed off on a decision to allow the Russian missile system that downed Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (MH17) into Ukraine, investigators said (Emily Atkinson writes).

The international team investigating the 2014 downing has convincing evidence of the Russian president’s involvement, Dutch prosecutors said on Wednesday.

The BUK-TELAR missile system was used to shoot down MH17 on its way from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur over eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014, investigators said.

Vladimir Putin ‘supplied’ missile that downed MH17 missile, say investigators

Zelensky thanks Britain 'in advance' for 'powerful English planes'

Wednesday 8 February 2023 13:49 , Liam James

Watch as Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky issues a plea for British fighter jets.

Boris Johnson welcomes Volodymyr Zelensky to UK

Wednesday 8 February 2023 14:02 , Liam James

Boris Johnson has welcomed Volodymyr Zelensky to Britain, as the Ukrainian president headed to London to seek more arms supplies for the fight against the Russian invasion.

The former prime minister has made much of his friendship with Mr Zelensky and is understood to view his strong support for Ukraine as one of the key legacies from his time in office.

Pictured: Zelensky in Downing Street

Wednesday 8 February 2023 14:13 , Matt Mathers

Downing Street has published pictures of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky in No 10.

The wartime leader was cheered by MPs and Lords after addressing them in Westminster Hall this afternoon.

Pictures published by the government showed Mr Zelensky sharing breakfast with Rishi Sunak, the prime minister.

They can also be seen walking through the famous black door at No 10 and posing for pictures in front of a portrait of Winston Churchill.

 (Simon Walker / No10 Downing Street)
(Simon Walker / No10 Downing Street)
 (Simon Walker / No10 Downing Street)
(Simon Walker / No10 Downing Street)
 (Simon Walker / No10 Downing Street)
(Simon Walker / No10 Downing Street)
 (Simon Walker / No10 Downing Street)
(Simon Walker / No10 Downing Street)

Zelensky arrives at Buckingham Palace

Wednesday 8 February 2023 14:22 , Matt Mathers

Mr Zelensky has arrived at Buckingham Palace, where he has an audience with King Charles.

Earlier the Ukraine president said it would be a “special” moment to meet the monarch.

It is Mr Zelensky’s first visit to the UK since Russia invaded his country in February last year and his second foreign trip during the war.

Mr Zelensky was greeted at the King’s Door firstly by the King’s equerry, Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson.

Lt Col Thompson, dressed in his military uniform with kilt, shook hands with Mr Zelensky before introducing him to Sir Clive Alderton, principal private secretary to the King and Queen Consort.

Sir Clive also shook hands with the president before welcoming him inside Buckingham Palace.

 (BBC)
(BBC)

You can watch Mr Zelensky’s arrival below:

Zelensky meets King for first time

Wednesday 8 February 2023 14:45 , Matt Mathers

 (Reuters)
(Reuters)
 (Reuters)
(Reuters)
 (Reuters)
(Reuters)

Tactical nukes unlikely to be used in Ukraine, says Estonian intelligence

Wednesday 8 February 2023 15:00 , Liam James

Tactical nuclear weapons are unlikely to be used in the Ukraine, conflict, the Estonian spy service has said.

Western observers have repeatedly warned that Vladimir Putin may be planning to use the atomic munitions, which are also known as battleground nukes for their relatively small blast radius, to turn the tide of his frustrated invasion.

Mr Putin has confused the situation by variously warning that “nothing is off the table” in the Russian arsenal, which includes large supplies of nuclear warheads, and denying having any plans for an atomic escalation.

But an annual report by the Estonian Intelligence Service released today said that Mr Putin would likely not employ tactical nukes as they have “low battleground effectiveness” and their use would invite a harsh international reaction.

Zelensky going to Paris for talks with Macron and Scholz

Wednesday 8 February 2023 15:01 , Liam James

As we’ve been reporting, Mr Zelensky has been in the UK today meeting with political leaders and the King as he drums up support for the war effort.

After meeting the King he will travel to Paris to hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Olaf Sholz.

Ukraine has been ramping up calls for more military aid in recent weeks ahead of an expected fresh offensive by Russia in the spring.

Mr Zelenksy has been calling on Western allies to send his country fighter jets to help push back the Kremlin’s forces.

Boris Johnson calls on Sunak to give Ukraine fighter plans

Wednesday 8 February 2023 15:12 , Matt Mathers

In a statement on Wednesday, Boris Johnson said it was time to “give them exactly what they need to finish the job” – saying Britain had more than 100 Typhoon jets, Adam Forrest, our politics correspondent, reports.

“It is true that the Typhoon is a four-nation plane and that we require the approval of allies for export,” said the former PM.

“But there is no reason to think that Germany or others should oppose our decision – these are UK planes.”

Mr Johnson added: “Every time we have stepped up with more military support the Ukrainians have responded and turned the tide of war. Now is the time to give them exactly what they need to finish the job.”

UK to investigate what jets it could send to Ukraine

Wednesday 8 February 2023 15:22 , Liam James

The defence secretary is to investigate what jets the UK could send to Ukraine after President Zelensky called for planes to help the war effort in an address to MPs (Kate Devlin writes).

Before the Ukrainian leader arrived in London, Rishi Sunak announced Britain would train fighter pilots.

No 10 has now said that Ben Wallace has been “tasked with investigating what jets we may be able to send (to Ukraine). No decision has been taken on that.”

Downing Street described their approach as a “multi-year” and emphasised that it currently takes 5 years to train a pilot in the UK.

UK to investigate what jets it could send to Ukraine

UK pushing for Russia ban at 2024 Olympics

Wednesday 8 February 2023 15:50 , Liam James

Downing Street said it has pressured the International Olympic Committee to block Russia from competing at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

The issue of preventing Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in the 2024 Games was raised during Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to the UK, his office said.

The prime minister’s official spokesman said while Russia was invading another country it “should be treated as a pariah state and should not be able to legitimise its illegal war in Ukraine”.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said Russians and Belarusians may be allowed to compete as neutral athletes not representing a country, as Russian athletes did in 2016 after a doping scandal.

Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo today said she did want Russia to compete at the 2024 games, adding that a neutral banner “doesn’t really exist because sometimes there are athletes who are dissidents. They march and compete under the refugee banner”.

Boris Johnson calls for UK to send its jets and tanks to help Ukraine ‘finish the job’

Wednesday 8 February 2023 16:19 , Liam James

Former British prime minister Boris Johnson has put pressure on Rishi Sunak to send jets and tanks to Ukraine.

He said more than 100 Typhoon jets were held by the UK and “the best single use” for them would be to assist Ukraine against the Russian invasion.

His call came as Mr Sunak ordered his defence secretary to investigate which planes Britain could send, after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky pleaded for jets in the face of an expected offensive from Moscow.

Johnson in the audience for Zelensky’s speech to parliament earlier (PA)
Johnson in the audience for Zelensky’s speech to parliament earlier (PA)