In a monumental appeal to the UK cabinet, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy urged British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to exhibit leadership and enable Ukraine’s capacity to strike Russian targets using Western weapons. This occurred in an unprecedented in-person session, marking the first occasion for a foreign dignitary to address UK senior ministers since 1997.
Mr. Zelenskiy conveyed Ukraine’s desire for international support to lift the limitations on Western weapons, including British Storm Shadow missiles, arguing that this is essential to bolster its defence and solidify its frontline position in the ongoing conflict.
The UK government has neglected to outwardly support this initiative, but has noted that it is up to Ukraine to decide how best to utilise its resources in compliance with international law.
Subsequent to Mr. Zelenskiy’s visit, Downing Street maintained its stance regarding weaponry, affirming its commitment to assisting Ukraine militarily in its rightful defense against Russia’s unlawful acts.
The British defence secretary, John Healey, affirmed on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the UK provides weapons to Ukraine for defense purposes, which does not restrict them from attacking targets in Russia, as long as such actions comply with international humanitarian law.
The warm encounter between Prime Minister Starmer and President Zelenskiy was symbolised by a friendly hug and handshake outside Number 10 prior to in-depth bilateral discussions and a momentous cabinet meeting later that morning.
The Ukrainian president was honoured by a round of applause as he took the floor, marking the first time a head from overseas has spoken to UK senior ministers since the era of ex-US president Bill Clinton in 1997.
Mr Starmer expressed that the visit signified “an extraordinary occasion”, demonstrating “the high regard you’re held in…here in Britain and globally”. He vowed the UK’s “firm” backing for Kyiv.
“It spells an extraordinary occasion for us to reassert our support for you and the Ukrainian people in the face of Russian hostility and to seize this chance to reconfirm our pledge to stand by you. Thank you immeasurably for accepting the invitation”, Mr Starmer stated.
“This meeting carries substantial importance for us and you are indeed a welcomed guest. It genuinely brings me great joy and honour to welcome you to Downing Street today. We are witnessing a true historical event.”
President Zelenskiy expressed gratitude to Mr Starmer and the UK for their support, stating it was acknowledged by Ukrainians nationwide.
“We anticipate a more vigorous collaboration now”, he commented. “The quicker your actions, the greater your achievements will be.”
The President’s visit to Downing Street came after he attended the European Political Community (EPC) Summit which took place at the Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire last Thursday. During the event, 44 countries along with the EU consented to target Russia’s clandestine fleet of tankers that are evading sanctions on Russian oil.
The fleet consists of roughly 600 vessels, delivering 1.7 million barrels of oil daily, funding Moscow’s militaristic endeavours and supposedly serving as surveillance posts or transporting arms for Russia.
It’s common for this fleet’s ships to be outdated and unsecured, engaging in reckless acts like shutting down their location tracking systems which drastically heightens the risk of severe collisions.
At the EPC summit, Mr Zelenskiy acknowledged the UK’s proactivity in standing by Ukraine from the inception of the Russian invasion.
“We need this kind of determination to thwart Russian terror”, he added.
Last Thursday saw the UK impose sanctions on 11 suspected oil tankers involved in dodging sanctions, among which is the ‘Rocky Runner’, which had formerly eluded UK enforcement by switching its operator.
The majority of boats are registered in Gabon, but a few, including the Rocky Runner, hold the flag of the Cook Islands and one is with the Panama flag. Vessels under sanction are not allowed to venture into UK harbours, they could be seized or instructed to dock. – PA