Gareth Davies MP was fortunate to join the Prime Minister and the Chancellor in welcoming President Volodymyr Zelensky to Downing Street, before joining other MPs and Peers from the House of Lords in Westminster Hall for an address by President Zelensky to Parliament.
Representing the importance of British support, the President of Ukraine’s visit to the United Kingdom marks only the second time he has left Ukraine since Russia launched a further invasion of the country almost one year ago.
President Zelensky met with the Prime Minister at No.10 Downing Street, before meeting the Speaker of the House of Commons and other dignitaries in Parliament. The President then travelled to meet His Majesty The King at Buckingham Palace.
To date, the UK has led the world with sanctions against Russia and provided in excess of 10,000 anti-tank missiles, six air defence systems, 200 armoured fighting vehicles, Sea King search and rescue helicopters, maritime Brimstone missiles, three million rounds of small arms ammunition, and 4.5 tonnes of plastic explosives.
The UK has also initiated a major training operation for Ukrainian forces, with the potential to train up to 10,000 soldiers every 120 days, including training to operate a squadron of Challenger 2 tanks. Using battle-proven British Army expertise, the training offer is already making a difference to Ukraine’s combat effectiveness and it will continue for as long as Ukraine wishes.
