Ukraine, UK step up defence cooperation as Russian missile threat grows

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks in Kyiv with UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, who made his first official visit to the Ukrainian capital, as the two sides discussed strengthening Ukraine's air defence capabilities and expanding defence cooperation.

The meeting took place in the aftermath of a large-scale Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv and surrounding areas. Zelenskyy said he briefed the British defence secretary on the impact of the strikes and warned that Russia was seeking to significantly increase its ballistic missile production ahead of the winter months.

"We discussed how the United Kingdom can help Ukraine better protect its cities and communities from such ballistic threats—both bilaterally and multilaterally," Zelenskyy said in a post on social media.

The leaders also explored opportunities to expand joint weapons production, as Ukraine continues to deepen defence-industrial cooperation with its international partners.

In addition, the talks covered sanctions targeting Russian enterprises involved in the development and production of ballistic missile systems, with both sides discussing ways to increase pressure on Moscow's defence industry.

By Vafa Guliyeva