Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Ukraine President Zelensky praises British 'leadership' in Ukraine war

“Weapons, finance, sanctions — on these three issues, Britain shows leadership,” he said.

Ukraine President Zelensky praises British 'leadership' in Ukraine war

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday praised British leadership and its support for Kyiv's fight against Russia during an unannounced visit from UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.

"Words turn into actions. That's the difference between Ukraine's relationship with Great Britain and other countries," President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video statement.

"Weapons, finance, sanctions -- on these three issues, Britain shows leadership," he added.

Ukraine has urged the West to deliver more heavy weapons to resist a powerful Russian offensive in the eastern Donbass region, where fighting is currently centred around the industrial city of Severodonetsk.

Wallace praised Ukraine's "extraordinary" efforts to rebuff the onslaught, praising both Zelensky's leadership and the resilience of the Ukrainian people.

The two-day working visit was an opportunity to see "first-hand" how Ukraine's military needs are developing, Wallace said in a statement.

"This will ensure that the UK's continued support is evolving to meet those requirements and is tailored to the situation on the ground," he said.

Wallace discussed with Zelensky and Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov "the range of equipment and training the UK is currently providing" and "further support" Britain is ready to offer, the statement said.

Zelensky gifted Wallace commemorative stamps depicting Ukrainian soldiers on the Black Sea's Snake Island rebuffing demands from a Russian warship to surrender.

The Russian warship, the Moskva, was later sunk.

Following Washington's lead, London announced the delivery of multiple rocket launcher systems -- with a range of about 80 kilometres (50 miles), slightly superior than the Russian systems.

It was not clear when Ukraine will be able to start using them.

The visit comes after two British citizens who joined Ukrainian forces were sentenced to death by pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine.

Aiden Aslin and Shaun Pinner along with Moroccan Saaudun Brahim were captured earlier and sentenced this week by separatist authorities in the eastern Donetsk region for attempting to overthrow the government.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday he was "appalled" by the sentence and that he was working with Kyiv for their release, according to Downing Street.

(AFP)

More For You

Southport

Floral tributes left by members of the public are seen following the fatal knife attack on three young girls in July in Southport.

Reuters

Public inquiry begins into Southport girls' murders

A PUBLIC inquiry begins on Tuesday into the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport last year.

The inquiry will examine whether the attack could have been prevented and how future incidents might be avoided.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less