Sunak: UK will support Kiev 'until Ukraine has won'

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British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak vowed on Saturday that his country would stand by Kiev's side "until Ukraine has won" during his first visit to the Ukrainian capital since taking office.

"I am here today to say that the UK will continue to stand with you... until Ukraine has won the peace and security it needs and deserves," Sunak said in a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev.

"And then we will stand with you as you rebuild your great country," he added.

Downing Street said the Prime Minister visited the Ukrainian capital on Saturday to confirm "continued UK support" for Ukraine.

"The prime minister is in Ukraine today for his first visit to Kyiv to meet President (Volodymyr) Zelensky and confirm continued UK support," it said.

On his part, Zelensky indicated on Telegram that "since the first days of the war, Ukraine and the UK have been the strongest of allies."

"During today's meeting, we discussed the most important issues both for our countries and for global security," he pointed out, adding that "we are stronger and we will achieve the desired results."

Sunak said the UK would provide Ukraine with a new £50 million package of air defense at Kiev's request, which comprises 125 anti-aircraft guns and technology, including radars and anti-drone electronic warfare capability.

"We are today providing new air defence, including anti-aircraft guns, radar and anti-drone equipment, and stepping up humanitarian support for the cold, hard winter ahead," the British Prime Minister said, adding that the UK will boost the training offered to Ukrainian forces and send expert army medics and engineers for specialized support. 

Earlier this month, UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace announced that his country would provide Ukraine with more than 1,000 new anti-air missiles.

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