UK pledges hundreds of new attack drones to Ukraine as Zelenskyy seeks ‘jets coalition’

Ukraine’s president wants to create a “jets coalition” after face-to-face talks with Rishi Sunak, as the UK pledged to send hundreds of new long-range attack drones to Ukraine.

After discussions with Mr Sunak at Chequers about military aid for his country, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said jets are a “very important topic for us because we can’t control the sky”.

“I think you will hear important decisions in the closest time, but we have to work a bit more,” he added.

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The prime minister revealed the UK would start training Ukrainian pilots to use Western fighter jets “relatively soon”, helped by the opening of a new flying school.

Mr Sunak said the pair discussed “long-term” security arrangements from allied countries for Ukraine, as its troops prepare for a counteroffensive against Russia’s invading forces.

Mr Zelenskyy said Kyiv needs “more time” to prepare, as he embarks on a multi-stop European tour for increased support from allies.

UK’s new flying school

Downing Street said an elementary flying phase for cohorts of Ukrainian pilots will begin this summer.

The prime minister tweeted it will give them the “training they need to handle different types of aircraft” and “better defend their citizens against Russian aggression”.

It comes after the government announced the further provision of hundreds of air defence missiles, and further unmanned aerial systems, including hundreds of new long-range attack drones with a range of over 200km.

They will be delivered over the coming months.

Speaking from the prime minister’s country retreat, Mr Zelenskyy said Ukrainians are “thankful from all our hearts” for support provided by the government.

It follows confirmation last week the UK is donating long-range precision missiles to Ukraine’s military.

In response, the Kremlin said it takes an “extremely negative view” of Britain’s aid packages, notably the decision to supply long-range Storm Shadow cruise missiles.

Zelenskyy tight-lipped on counteroffensive

British support aid could help a long mooted spring counteroffensive by Ukraine.

Speaking at Chequers, Mr Zelenskyy said his military required “some more time” before launching one.

“We really need some more time – not too much. We’ll be ready in some time,” he said.

“There are some secrets from our ‘neighbours’ and that’s why we have to prepare.”

It comes as fierce fighting continues in Ukraine’s eastern city of Bakhmut, inflicting heavy losses on both sides.

Neither Kyiv nor Moscow’s forces have been able to take full control of the city despite months of fighting, as analysis suggests the battle for the city is not about seizing ground but maximising enemy casualties.

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EU allies pledge more support

The announcements from the UK follow fresh aid committed by Ukraine’s allies in the EU.

On Saturday, the German government promised Kyiv its biggest military support package so far, with further arms deliveries worth €2.7bn (£2.35bn).

France also pledged dozens of light tanks and armoured vehicles “in the weeks ahead”.

Emmanuel Macron’s office made the announcement after a summit with Mr Zelenskyy in Paris on Sunday.

The Ukrainian president’s meeting with Mr Sunak on Monday was their first since February.

Britain has been one of the largest suppliers of military aid to Ukraine since February 2022’s invasion, contributing £2.3bn worth of support last year and pledging a similar amount for 2023.