UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak engaged in a conversation with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine this morning. The leaders discussed recent developments on the battlefield, hailing the remarkable progress made by Ukrainian forces despite challenging conditions. During the conversation, the Prime Minister expressed his dismay at the devastation caused by recent Russian attacks on Odesa.
The leaders also addressed the vital issue of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, emphasizing the significance of facilitating grain exports from Ukraine to international markets. Rishi Sunak assured Zelenskyy that the UK was actively collaborating with Turkey to restore the grain deal and pledged to leverage its role as chair of the UN Security Council to further condemn Russia’s actions.
As the situation in the Black Sea region remained concerning, the Prime Minister revealed that the UK was closely monitoring Russia’s increasing focus on targeting merchant vessels. The UK and its partners are committed to vigilance in the area to safeguard security.
In unwavering support for Ukraine’s defence, the UK announced its continued assistance by supplying air defence and artillery needs, including the delivery of additional ammunition and missiles.
The conversation also touched upon the importance of long-term security assurances for Ukraine. Both leaders recognized the multilateral Joint Declaration as a testament to the international community’s support for Ukraine, with numerous countries stepping forward to endorse the initiative.
Looking ahead, the leaders expressed their anticipation of further discussions in the near future, reinforcing the commitment to strengthen bilateral ties and address the ongoing challenges in the region. The conversation served as a testament to the UK’s solidarity with Ukraine during these testing times of conflict and uncertainty.