Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a historic address to the British cabinet on Friday, urging the UK to assist in lifting restrictions on the use of Western-supplied weapons. This rare appearance by a foreign leader in a British cabinet meeting underscores the UK's ongoing support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed Zelensky with a standing ovation, reaffirming London's commitment to Kyiv. The last foreign leader to address the British cabinet in person was U.S. President Bill Clinton in 1997. Starmer emphasized the importance of Ukraine in his government's agenda, pledging to expedite the delivery of military aid promised by the former Conservative administration.
Zelensky's visit to Downing Street followed a European leaders' forum at Blenheim Palace, hosted by Starmer. During his address, Zelensky reiterated his call for Western allies to permit long-range strikes on Russia, highlighting the limitations currently placed on Ukraine's military capabilities.
"Right now we are missing the main answer to this question and that is our long-range capability," Zelensky said. "Please convince the other partners to remove the limits."
NATO allies have varied in their stance on how Ukraine can use donated weapons. While some members have allowed Ukraine to target inside Russian territory, the United States has maintained a more conservative approach, permitting strikes only within Ukraine's borders against targets supporting Russian military operations.
In a 35-minute private meeting with Zelensky before the broader cabinet session, Starmer assured the Ukrainian leader of the UK's unwavering support. Defence Secretary John Healey echoed this sentiment, stating that the UK's provision of weapons does not preclude Ukraine from hitting targets in Russia, provided it adheres to international humanitarian law.
Zelensky expressed gratitude for the UK's support, acknowledging its crucial role in the ongoing conflict. "The political resolve to stand with Ukraine was not just in Parliament, but across this country," Starmer told Zelensky, adding that he had accepted an invitation to visit Ukraine in the future.
In a significant move, Zelensky signed a Defence Export Support Treaty with the UK, enabling Ukraine to access £3.5 billion ($4.5 billion) in export finance. This treaty aims to bolster the defence industrial bases of both nations and enhance their military production capabilities.
The meeting came at a time when Ukraine faces severe challenges from Russian aggression. Earlier this month, a children's hospital in Kyiv was struck by Russian missiles, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced defensive measures. Zelensky emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin must be held accountable for his actions.
"Putin must pay for his disregard for human life," Zelensky said. "How can we ensure this? Right now we are missing the main answer to this question - that is our long-range capability. Show your leadership in this and please convince other partners to remove the limits. We need this step - that will force Russia to seek peace."
The UK has been a steadfast ally of Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Starmer, who won a landslide election victory earlier this month, has quickly reaffirmed the UK's support for Ukraine, ensuring there is no change in approach despite the change in government.
On Thursday, the UK announced sanctions on 11 vessels used to transport Russian oil, part of a broader strategy to disrupt Russia's efforts to evade shipping sanctions. This move is in line with the European Political Community's agreement to tackle Russia's "shadow fleet" - a network of 600 tankers evading sanctions and potentially transporting weapons or acting as listening stations for Russia.
