Zelenskiy urges UK cabinet to remove limits on long-range missiles

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy attended a cabinet meeting in the United Kingdom, becoming the first foreign leader to do so since U.S. President Bill Clinton in 1997.

The invitation from Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlights London’s support for Kyiv and its commitment to international affairs.

Zelenskiy, welcomed with a standing ovation and applause from British ministers, used the opportunity to renew his call for Western allies to remove the limits on long-range strikes on Russia. He urged Britain to convince its partners to allow Ukraine to utilize its long-range capability, emphasizing the need for a unified response.

While NATO members have varying approaches to Ukraine’s use of donated weapons, Zelenskiy stressed the importance of a unified stance. Some members permit strikes on targets inside Russia, while the United States limits their use to just inside Russia’s border against targets supporting Russian military operations in Ukraine.

During a separate bilateral meeting, Starmer assured Zelenskiy that Britain would expedite aid delivery to Ukraine. This commitment reflects the UK government’s agenda, with Ukraine being a top priority since Russia’s invasion in 2022.

In addition to aid, Starmer announced plans to disrupt Russia’s efforts to evade shipping sanctions and unveiled the Defence Export Support Treaty. This treaty, to be signed by defense ministers, will provide Ukraine with 3.5 billion pounds ($4.5 billion) of export finance. It aims to strengthen both countries’ defense industrial bases and boost production.

The meeting between Zelenskiy and the UK cabinet marks a significant moment in international diplomacy, underscoring the solidarity between Ukraine and the United Kingdom in the face of ongoing challenges.