Sunak says UK will back Kyiv until Ukraine wins

KIEV: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak vowed to stand by Kyiv “until Ukraine wins” on Saturday (19 November) during a visit to the Ukrainian capital.

“I am here to say that the UK will continue to stand by you until Ukraine gets the peace and security it needs and deserves,” Sunak said at a press conference in Kyiv with President Volodymyr Zelensky. .

British leaders have unveiled a new air defense package worth £50 million (US$60 million), according to a Downing Street statement.

The package includes “120 aircraft guns, radars and anti-drone equipment,” Sunak said.

Ukraine is demanding more air defense systems as Russia takes a toll on its energy infrastructure.

It was the first visit to Kyiv for the new British leader, to whom the country is a staunch ally, since the offensive began in February.

“I am very humbled to be with you in your country today. The courage of the Ukrainian people is an inspiration to the world,” Sunak said.

“In the years to come, we will tell our grandchildren your story. It’s about paying and how you won,” added Snack.

At a joint press conference, President Zelensky praised the “meaningful and beneficial visit for both countries.”

He said they had discussed “the possibility of safeguarding European and Ukrainian energy security” and “our ability to protect Ukraine’s skies, as well as defense cooperation in general.”

“With a friend like you by my side, I’m sure we’ll win,” Zelensky said on Twitter.