Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London on March 17. In his telegram, he called it the first meeting “in the format of a strategic dialogue.” Radio Liberty reports this, the PromPolitInform portal reports.
“Today we signed a Declaration on deepening cooperation in the security and defense industry. This is an important step to strengthen our defense,” Zelensky said.
He added that he informed Starmer about the situation on the front, Russian attacks and Ukraine’s defense needs. The parties discussed the development of joint defense production, strengthening Ukrainian air defense with additional missiles, and the situation in the Middle East.
Starmer said after the meeting with Zelensky that the conflict in the Middle East has increased the need for rapid military innovation, which is central to Britain’s national and economic security.
“Today we have agreed on a new defense partnership between Ukraine and the United Kingdom, which strengthens Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against brutal Russian attacks and ensures that the United Kingdom and our allies are prepared for future threats,” he said.
Zelensky, during an address to the British parliament on March 17, announced that Ukraine had sent 201 counter-drone experts to the Middle East, with another 34 “ready for deployment.”
The President of Ukraine arrived in London on the afternoon of March 17 and had an audience with King Charles III.
