Rishi Sunak makes shock go to to Ukraine after launching Yemen strike | EUROtoday

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Rishi Sunak is making a shock go to to Ukraine to satisfy Volodymyr Zelensky, because the UK introduced it should present £2.5 billion in navy assist to the nation over the approaching 12 months.

It comes simply hours after the prime minister authorised strikes in opposition to Houthi insurgent targets in Yemen, as Britain joined the US in Red Sea navy motion.

Mr Sunak instructed his cupboard concerning the strikes on Thursday night, and – in an uncommon transfer – the federal government briefed Labour chief Sir Keir Starmer and shadow defence secretary John Healey.

But a row has erupted over the PM’s failure to hunt approval of parliament for the RAF strikes in Yemen, with the Liberal Democrats , the SNP and a few Labour MPs demanding the recall of the Commons.

The Ukraine go to comes because the Mr Zelensky pushes allies within the West to provide his nation extra assist to combat again in opposition to Russian forces, amid fears curiosity within the warfare is flagging.

The disaster within the Middle East as Israel continues to bombard Gaza has additionally turned international consideration away from the battle in opposition to Vladimir Putin.

The PM and Mr Zelensky will use the one-day go to to signal a brand new UK-Ukraine Agreement on Security Cooperation, after G7 nations agreed ultimately 12 months’s Nato summit to signal bilateral safety assurances with the nation.

No 10 stated that the brand new £2.5bn funding bundle would cowl long-range missiles, air defence, artillery ammunition and maritime safety, with the assist a rise of £200m on the final two years.

Mr Sunak stated: “For two years, Ukraine has fought with great courage to repel a brutal Russian invasion. They are still fighting, unfaltering in their determination to defend their country and defend the principles of freedom and democracy.

“I am here today with one message: the UK will also not falter. We will stand with Ukraine, in their darkest hours and in the better times to come.”

Around £200m will even be spent on a push to obtain and produce hundreds of navy drones, which the federal government stated was the biggest supply of drones to Ukraine from any nation. Most are anticipated to be manufactured within the UK.

The PM will meet Ukrainian emergency staff through the go to, with Mr Sunak additionally anticipated to announce an additional £18m in assist. Funding and assets will even be supplied for English language coaching within the nation, No 10 stated.

The Ukrainian chief has begun the 12 months with a go to to a number of Baltic states in a bid to drum up assist.

Mr Zelensky has stated that Ukraine notably wants air defence methods to fend off Russian aerial barrages. More than 500 drones and missiles have been fired between December 29 and January 2, in line with officers in Kyiv.

The PM has harassed the UK’s continued backing for Kyiv forward of his assembly with Mr Zelensky. Mr Sunak stated that the UK recognises that Ukrainian “security is our security”.

He added: “Today we are going further – increasing our military aid, delivering thousands of cutting-edge drones, and signing a historic new Security Agreement to provide Ukraine with the assurances it needs for the long term.”

Mr Sunak made his first go to to Ukraine in November 2022, weeks after coming into No 10. The UK has been among the many most vocal backers of Ukraine, with Mr Zelensky visiting London early final 12 months in a historic journey.