Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to make history by addressing the British Cabinet in person on Friday, becoming the first foreign leader to do so since U.S. President Bill Clinton in 1997. Zelenskyy is expected to provide an update on the situation in Ukraine and highlight the importance of European nations increasing defense production in response to Russian aggression. During his visit, Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Keir Starmer are anticipated to finalize a treaty granting Ukraine access to 3.5 billion pounds ($4.5 billion) of export financing for the purchase of weapons.
In a statement, Starmer emphasized the significance of Ukraine in the British government’s agenda, stating, “Russia’s incremental gains on the battlefield are nothing compared with the collective international support for Ukraine, or the strength of ties between our people.” Zelenskyy also spoke with the BBC, expressing the need for clarity on Ukraine’s ability to use Storm Shadow missiles provided by Britain against Russian targets, citing the necessity for strong support in countering Russian attacks on Ukrainian territory.
The Storm Shadow is an air-launched cruise missile with a range exceeding 250 kilometers (155 miles). UK Defense Secretary John Healey affirmed that Ukraine has approval to use the missiles against Russian targets but highlighted the complexities surrounding the specific targets and circumstances. He stressed that any use of the missiles must adhere to international humanitarian law.
At a security-focused summit in the UK on Thursday, European leaders voiced support for Ukraine while expressing concerns about the United States’ future as a reliable ally, particularly if a second presidency is secured by Donald Trump.
