Prime Minister Andy Burnham welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth at Portsmouth Naval Base, where British and Ukrainian troops were taking part in joint exercises.
Burnham confirmed that the UK will provide new homegrown jamming technology designed to protect Ukrainian drones and help them hit their targets.
He also committed Britain to supporting a full and unconditional ceasefire, continued negotiations involving Ukraine and Europe, and a multinational force intended to strengthen Ukraine’s long-term security once a ceasefire is secured.
Zelensky became the first foreign leader welcomed in person by Burnham since he became Prime Minister.
Addressing troops alongside the PM, the Ukrainian president thanked Britain for its continued military and political support while warning that Russian efforts to disrupt Black Sea shipping routes threaten global security, international trade and household costs.
The visit underlined the deepening defence relationship between the UK and Ukraine as Kyiv continues its war against Russia and Western allies consider how any future peace agreement could be protected.
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