Ukraine's President Zelenskyy meets soldiers in Dorset on UK trip
It's part of the president's first visit here since Russia's invasion began
Last updated 8th Feb 2023
The Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has visited Dorset on Wednesday (February 8th) as part of his first visit to the UK since the Russian invasion of his country last February.
The president and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have been to Lulworth Camp to see Ukrainian forces who are be trained in the south at Bovington Camp and on Salisbury Plain on how to use Challenger 2 tanks.
14 of the vehicles are being sent to the country next month as part of the war effort.
After arriving by Chinook helicopter, the two leaders met some of the Ukrainian troops before Mr Zelensky gave a short speech and thanked the Prime Minister.
Mr Sunak then said to the Ukrainian soldiers: "It is a privilege for us to have all of you here and your courage is inspiring to us and the courage of your families is inspiring to us.
"We will be there until the end and you are victorious."
The Prime Minister has also asked the Defence Secretary to investigate what jets the UK could potentially give to Ukraine, Downing Street has said.
It comes after the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky used a surprise visit to London to urge the UK and Western allies to provide "wings for freedom" by supplying his air force with advanced jets.
Earlier, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced plans to train Ukrainian pilots, paving the way for them to eventually be able to fly sophisticated Nato-standard jets, but that is seen as a long-term ambition.
Addressing both houses of Parliament during his visit, President Zelenskyy thanked London 'in advance' for fighter jets, which he said were necessary to fight Russian aggression.
He said:
"I appeal to you and the world with simple and yet most important words: combat aircraft for Ukraine, wings for freedom."
Mr Sunak said:
"When it comes to fighter combat aircraft, of course they are part of the conversation - indeed, we have been discussing that today and have been previously.
"That's why we have announced today that we will be training Ukrainian air force on Nato-standard platforms, because the first step in being able to provide advanced aircrafts is to have soldiers or aviators who are capable of using them.
"That is a process that takes some time. We've started that process today, that's because we are keen to support the president and his country in delivering a victory.
"And nothing is off the table and our leadership on this issue is something we all collectively should be very proud of, and I know the president is grateful for."
Mr Zelenskyy has also met with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace during his visit.
It marks only the second time the Ukrainian leader has carried out an overseas visit since Vladimir Putin's forces invaded his country almost a year ago.