Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to the United Kingdom was mainly intended to personally thank the British, but also to ask for more weapons. UK Correspondent Leah Van Begoven says: ‘The British were quicker than the EU, so they are given priority.’
UK is considering sending Typhoon fighter jets
From the first pledge of aid shortly after the Russians invaded Ukraine, the United Kingdom provided support. “They were active in coordinating military support, pressuring other allies for support, you name it,” van Begoven said. They have been training Ukrainian players since 2014. Zelensky is here to thank them, but also to advocate for fighter jets.
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The British are still open to it, Van Begoven thinks. Zelensky’s speech will be one of the best British MPs will hear in the Great Hall today. “After the speech, I can’t help but think that the emotional and moral pressure on British political leaders to send the planes was never greater,” he said. And London has issued a statement saying the UK is considering making Typhoon fighter jets available to Ukraine. As a long-term solution.’
Boris Johnson
Zelensky personally thanked former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, which, according to Van Beckhoven, was no surprise. Johnson was personally responsible for rallying nations behind the call for military support. “No one has advocated military support for Kiev more than Johnson,” he says. He was de facto Zelensky’s spokesman in London. He was in Kiev last week, where he spoke with Zelensky.
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Although it’s not clear in what capacity he did this, according to Van Beckhoven, it was actually thanks to Johnson that armored vehicles, tanks and anti-aircraft guns were so quickly available in Ukraine. “And it’s Johnson who keeps twiddling his successor Sunak’s thumb to bring in those fighter jets,” he concludes. ‘In addition to wanting to supply the Typhoon fighter jets, London is calling on the EU to supply the fighter jets.’
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