Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was met with cheers and a round of applause as he posed outside No10 with Rishi Sunak on his first visit to the UK since Russia's invasion.
The Prime Minister embraced Zelensky as he met him off the plane upon his arrival at Stansted Airport. The pair then travelled together back to London in the same car to hold talks in Downing Street.
Speaking in No10’s White Room ahead of bilateral talks with Rishi Sunak, the Ukrainian President said: “Thank you so much Rishi for inviting me and for me great honour to be here in Britain.
“And thanks Britain for society first of all for your big support from the first days of full-scale invasion.
“Thank you so much. We are proud really and we have very good relations with Rishi.”
Zelensky added that the two leaders would continue their dialogue which he said was “very important for security of our country and of the course the security for the world”.
The meeting comes as the UK steps up its delivery of lethal aid into the country and prepares to train fighter jet pilots and marines.
The visit is set to frustrate Russia's Vladimir Putin, with the Kremlin upping its military rhetoric in recent weeks.
The UK will train Ukrainian pilots on NATO-standard fighter jets, reducing the barriers to the West donating the flying machines to Kyiv in future.
Moscow has warned against supplying fighter jets to Ukraine, arguing it would be a clear indication of direct Western involvement in the war.
Sunak said ahead of today's visit: "President Zelensky’s visit to the UK is a testament to his country’s courage, determination and fight, and a testament to the unbreakable friendship between our two countries.
"Since 2014, the UK has provided vital training to Ukrainian forces, allowing them to defend their country, protect their sovereignty and fight for their territory.
"I am proud that today we will expand that training from soldiers to marines and fighter jet pilots, ensuring Ukraine has a military able to defend its interests well into the future.
"It also underlines our commitment to not just provide military equipment for the short term, but a long-term pledge to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine for years to come."
Rishi Sunak greeted the Ukrainian President at the airport
No10
Today's surprise visit is only the second time he has left his country since the outbreak of war 12 months ago.
He previously flew to Washington DC to meet with President Joe Biden in December.
Upping the pressure on Moscow, officials say Britain will today also set out further sanctions to target those who have helped Russian President Vladimir Putin "build his personal wealth, and companies who are profiting from the Kremlin’s war machine".
The Government has already imposed sanctions on hundreds of Russian individuals and companies since last February.
Speaking to GB News, Ukrainian MP Kira Rudik praised the UK for playing a leading role in the coalition supporting the country in its struggle to push back Russian forces.
Rishi Sunak and Volodymyr Zelensky first met in Kyiv in November
Ukrainian Presidential Press Office
She said: “We are so grateful to the United Kingdom and your government and people for all the support that we received.
“I think it's only natural that the president pays his respect and shows the gratitude of the Ukrainian people to the British people, saying thank you for all the support and thank you for helping us push back [Russia] and please stay with us because we are going to win this war.”
Rudik added: "The fuel that we are running right now is called hope and the fact that our marines and our fighter jet pilots have been trained to be able to push back Russian forces is truly important for Ukrainian people, to know not only that we are receiving the support right now, but that we have to prospect of having well trained forces, have more weapons, more supplies and ability to really go forward."
Today's visit to No10 comes after Sunak met Zelensky in Kyiv in November, shortly after becoming Prime Minister.
Rishi Sunak and Volodymyr Zelensky posed for pictures outside No10
Jonathan Brady
Rishi Sunak and the Ukrainian President were in deep conversation as they arrived in Downing Street
Victoria Jones
