Rishi Sunak arrived in kyiv this Friday. A surprise visit during which the British Prime Minister promised military aid for Ukraine of around 2.9 billion euros. But not only.
The two leaders also announced the signing of a ten-year security agreement between Ukraine and the United Kingdom.
“Ukraine is not alone and never will be. Putin may think he can outlive us, but he is wrong. We are by your side today, tomorrow, and for as long as it takes. Because this war is about Ukraine’s right to defend itself and determine its own future, and the historic choice of the Ukrainian people to be an independent democracy in the heart of Europe”, said Rishi Sunak.
Ukrainian officials welcomed the UK’s announcement as proof that Western support is not waning, as some had feared.
“It is today that the history of Europe has changed. Ukraine and the United Kingdom have signed an unprecedented new security agreement. This is not a simple statement. This is a reality that will come to fruition thanks to our cooperation and, in particular, thanks to the security guarantees of the United Kingdom, an exceptional global power”, said Volodymyr Zelensky.
This British aid comes at a time when Ukraine is facing increased intensity of Russian strikes. The new head of French diplomacy, Stéphane Séjourné, is also expected in the Ukrainian capital.