Ukrainian president arrives in London to boost defence partnership with UK

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in London on June 23, to advance defence cooperation between Ukraine and the United Kingdom.

Serhii Nykyforov, the president’s spokesperson, outlined the primary objectives of the visit, emphasizing the importance of strengthening bilateral defence ties amid ongoing conflict, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

“During the visit, the president of Ukraine will meet with King Charles III, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the speakers of both houses of Parliament – Lindsay Hoyle and Lord John McFall,” he stated.

In addition to high-level meetings, Zelenskyy is scheduled to engage with Ukrainian troops currently undergoing training in the UK, as well as with representatives from various think tanks, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the visit.

Earlier, Zelenskyy highlighted the central themes of his trip, noting that discussions would focus on enhancing Ukraine’s defence capabilities and increasing international pressure on Russia to cease hostilities.

Following his engagements in London, Zelenskyy is expected to travel to Strasbourg on June 26 to participate in a session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. He is also slated to attend an upcoming European Union leaders’ summit in Brussels. However, his attendance at the forthcoming NATO summit remains uncertain.

By Vafa Guliyeva