Rishi Sunak makes surprise visit to Ukraine after launching Yemen strike

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Rishi Sunak is making a surprise visit to Ukraine to meet Volodymyr Zelensky, because the UK introduced it can present £2.5 billion in navy help 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 search 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 visit comes because the Mr Zelensky pushes allies within the West to give his nation extra help to battle again in opposition to Russian forces, amid fears curiosity within the struggle is flagging.

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

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

No 10 stated that the brand new £2.5bn funding package deal would cowl long-range missiles, air defence, artillery ammunition and maritime safety, with the help 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 procure and produce 1000’s 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.

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

The Ukrainian chief started the 12 months with a visit to a number of Baltic states in a bid to drum up help.

Mr Sunak made his first visit 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.

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.”