ZELENSKY HAILS UK ATTACK DRONES

NEW ARMS BOOST ON SURPRISE VISIT | DEAL TO TRAIN FIGHTER PILOTS HERE

- Rachael Burford 

RISHI SUNAK today promised hundreds of new long-range attack drones for Ukraine as Volodymyr Zelensky made a surprise visit to the UK.

The Prime Minister and the Ukrainian president met at Chequers for “substantive negotiations” over military aid ahead of a major counter-offensive from Kyiv against Russian forces. Mr Sunak confirmed the provision of hundreds of air defence missiles and further unmanned aerial systems, including attack drones which have a range of over 125 miles.

Downing Street said the weapons were “critical in helping the country defend against the relentless bombardment of their national infrastructure” by Vladimir Putin’s army.

Mr Sunak said: “This is a crucial moment in Ukraine’s resistance to a terrible war of aggression they did not choose or provoke. They need the sustained support of the international community to defend against the barrage of unrelenting and indiscriminate attacks that have been their daily reality for over a year. We must not let them down.”

He compared Mr Zelensky’s wartime leadership to Winston Churchill as he welcomed the Ukrainian president to his country residence. Mr Sunak added: “You are actually the first foreign leader I have had the privilege of welcoming here as Prime Minister and there’s a lot of great history here.

“In fact this room that we are standing in, Winston Churchill made many of his famous speeches in World War Two from this room. And the same way today, your leadership, your country’s bravery and fortitude are an inspiration to us all.” Mr Zelensky thanked the UK Government, the King and the British people for their support.