Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to make history by addressing the British Cabinet in person, becoming the first foreign leader to do so since U.S. President Bill Clinton in 1997. Zelenskyy's visit aims to brief ministers on the current situation in Ukraine and emphasize the importance of European countries bolstering defense production in response to Russian aggression.
During the meeting, Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Keir Starmer are expected to finalize a treaty that will grant Ukraine access to 3.5 billion pounds ($4.5 billion) of export financing for the purchase of weapons. Starmer highlighted the significance of Ukraine in the government's agenda, stressing the need for international support and solidarity against Russian advances.
Zelenskyy, in an interview with the BBC, expressed the necessity for Ukraine to utilize Storm Shadow missiles provided by Britain to counter Russian attacks. While Ukraine already has permission to use the missiles against Russian targets, the specifics of targeting and adherence to international humanitarian law remain under negotiation.
The Storm Shadow missile, an air-launched cruise missile with a range exceeding 250 kilometers (155 miles), is a crucial asset for Ukraine's defense strategy. Defense Secretary John Healey affirmed that the provision of weapons to Ukraine is intended for the defense of its sovereignty, with the understanding that any targeting of Russian entities must align with legal and ethical standards.
Leaders from various European nations voiced their support for Ukraine and expressed concerns about the future of U.S. commitment to international security at a recent summit in the U.K. The discussions were overshadowed by apprehensions regarding the potential implications of a second presidency for Donald Trump on U.S. foreign policy.
