Britain’s support for Ukraine will ‘never waver’, Rishi Sunak has pledged after meeting Volodymyr Zelensky at the G7 summit in Hiroshima.
The Ukrainian president received a hero’s welcome when he landed in Japan on Saturday for talks with the leaders of the world’s most powerful democracies.
His visit to the conference came hours after Joe Biden gave the green light for US-made F-16 fighter jets to be sent to Kyiv – a major boost in the country’s efforts to repel Russia’s invasion.
In a statement, Mr Sunak said he is ‘delighted that the G7 has agreed on the importance of giving President Zelensky the advanced military equipment needed to win this war and prosper as a free and democratic nation’.
He said: ‘The G7 was once the G8 – Russia was expelled in 2014 for its illegal annexation of Crimea and flagrant abuse of human rights and the rule of law.
‘Nine years on, it sends an incredibly powerful message to have my friend and Ukraine’s President Zelensky with us in Hiroshima today.
‘It tells the world that the G7 stands united with the people of Ukraine, in the face of a terrible onslaught. And it demonstrates that brute force and oppression will not triumph over freedom and sovereignty.
‘From providing Challenger tanks to long-range missiles and pilot training, the UK’s support for Ukraine’s defence will never waver.’
The pair shared a warm informal meeting on Saturday after Mr Zelensky landed in Japan.
‘Good to see you,’ the Prime Minister said, slapping him on the back after they greeted each other with an embrace. ‘You made it.’
Asked by reporters if it was a good day for Ukraine, Mr Zelensky smiled, nodded and said ‘thank you so much’.
Mr Zelensky later tweeted: ‘Peace will become closer today.’
G7 leaders vowed to support Ukraine for ‘as long as it takes’ and to increase the costs to Russia and those who support its war.
They also used their joint statement to be critical of China, saying they remain ‘seriously concerned’ about the aggression shown towards Taiwan.
Giving an account of Mr Sunak’s meeting with the Ukrainian leader, No 10 said: ‘The Prime Minister updated President Zelensky on the very positive progress at the G7 so far, including new sanctions against Russia and the provision of fighter jets.
‘The leaders looked forward to progressing talks with G7 countries and other partners on support for Ukraine and action against Russia’s destabilising and illegal behaviour.’
Moscow warned that the ‘escalation’ carries ‘enormous risks’ for the countries involved.
Russian deputy foreign minister Alexander Grushko told the Tass news agency: ‘We can see that Western countries continue to stick to an escalation scenario, which carries enormous risks for them.
‘In any case, we will take it into account when making plans.
‘We have all the necessary means to achieve our goals.’
Mr Biden informed his allies at the conference in Hiroshima that he will give legal authorisation to allow the American-made planes to be donated to Kyiv.
The US president, who is attending the G7 with other members France, Italy, Germany, Japan and Canada, as well as the EU, also announced training for Ukrainian pilots.
The Prime Minister welcomed the decision, having pressed allies to provide the Ukrainian president with the jets he has been calling for.
Mr Sunak tweeted: ‘Ukraine, we’re not going anywhere.’
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