UK's Rishi Sunak announces jet pilot training program for Kiev forces

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
8 Feb 2023 18:49

Earlier today, Sunak welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to London on the Ukrainian President's first state-visit to the UK since the start of Russia's special military operation.

Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, left, welcomes Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Downing Street in London, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023 (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced on Wednesday that the UK would create new programs intended to expand the horizons for military training for Kiev's troops so as to form new fighter jet pilots and marines.

"I am proud that today we will expand that training from soldiers to marines and fighter jet pilots, ensuring Ukraine has a military able to defend its interests well into the future," Sunak said.

Earlier today, Sunak welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to London on the Ukrainian President's first state visit to the UK since the start of Russia's special military operation.

Welcome to the UK, President @ZelenskyyUa.

🇬🇧🇺🇦 #SlavaUkraini pic.twitter.com/rMoBTC3ken
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) February 8, 2023

The two have met to discuss the situation in Ukraine and prospects for further military assistance.

The Ukrainian leader is expected to meet with the UK's monarch Charles III. He will also be holding talks with Labour leader Keir Starmer and House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle, among other officials.

He is also due to hold a speech at Westminster Hall to speak of the UK's contributions to Kiev's forces.

Over the past six months, the UK has trained 10,000 Ukrainian troops and intends to train another 20,000 troops this year.

The Foreign Office said earlier that the UK plans to increase the supply of military aid to Ukraine, including longer-range missiles, intended to prepare Kiev for a potential spring offensive and to cooperate with allies to meet Kiev's military needs, the statement said.