Coordination, Joint Defense, and Sanctions: Zelenskyy Meets with Keir Starmer in London
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a significant meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his official visit to London, focusing on intensifying defense cooperation, joint production of military equipment, and strengthening sanctions against Russia, The Gaze reports.
“There is a good outcome from today’s meeting – an additional decision on joint production. I believe it will be very effective and will strengthen both countries,” the President said.
The leaders discussed enhancing diplomatic coordination within multilateral formats, the development of joint defense projects, and the pressing need to escalate sanctions pressure on the Russian Federation.
One of the key topics was the deepening of defense cooperation, which was also raised during last week’s G7 Summit. The focus included ensuring stable funding for Ukrainian defense initiatives, notably the production of interceptor and long-range drones and the reinforcement of Ukraine’s air defense systems, with relevant agreements reached during this visit.
Zelenskyy also highlighted the importance of collaboration within the Coalition of the Willing, especially concerning long-term security guarantees for Ukraine.
Another pivotal topic was the enhancement of sanctions aimed at crippling Russia’s war machine. The Ukrainian President praised the UK’s latest sanctions package but emphasized the need for more aggressive action.
Zelenskyy provided the UK with a list of Russian enterprises involved in the production of missile systems, drones, and equipment used in attacks against Ukraine. He called for increased sanctions on the energy and banking sectors, the so-called “shadow fleet,” and secondary restrictions targeting companies supplying dual-use components for military use.
During his visit, President Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Starmer also met with Ukrainian troops undergoing training under Operation Interflex in the United Kingdom. This military program, supported by the UK, plays a crucial role in preparing Ukrainian forces to resist Russian aggression effectively.
In addition, Zelenskyy visited the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), where he met with leaders of Britain’s leading think tanks and research institutions. There, he reiterated Ukraine’s resilience and the spirit behind the nation’s resistance.
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