UK to announce supply of longer-range weapons and training for Ukrainian pilots

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to announce an expanded training programme for Ukrainian troops, as well as the supply of longer-range weapons to Kyiv.

Source: The Guardian, quoting Downing Street

This is the first visit of the Ukrainian leader to the UK since the beginning of the Russian full-scale invasion almost a year ago.

Downing Street said that Sunak will announce the expansion of the Ukrainian military training to include fighter jet pilots and marines, "ensuring Ukraine has a military able to defend its interests well into the future." The training will provide pilots with the opportunity to fly modern fighter jets that meet NATO standards.

According to Downing Street, under the training programme already running in the UK, 10,000 Ukrainian troops have been brought to battle readiness in the last six months, and it will upskill a further 20,000 Ukrainian soldiers this year.

Further sanctions are also expected to be announced today, including targeting those who helped Russian President Vladimir Putin build his fortunes and companies that profit from the Kremlin's war machine.

Previously: Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to visit the UK on Wednesday, 8 February.

Zelenskyy is expected to address the UK Parliament on Wednesday and then travel to Brussels.

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