UK promises hundreds of new attack drones to Ukraine ahead of Zelenskyy-Sunak summit | world news

The UK has pledged to send hundreds of new long-range attack drones to Ukraine ahead of Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s meeting with Rishi Sunak today.

Ukraine’s president will meet Mr Sunak at Chequers, the prime minister’s country retreat, for “substantive negotiations” on military aid.

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The government said Mr Sunak would today confirm the additional supply of hundreds of air defense missiles and other unmanned aerial systems, including hundreds of new long-range attack drones with a range of more of 200 km.

Mr Sunak said it was a “pivotal moment” in Ukraine’s resistance to the Russian invasion, adding: “We must not let them down”.

It comes as Mr Zelenskyy embarks on a multi-stop European tour to garner more support from his allies as kyiv prepares for its counter-offensive against Russian forces.

Mr Zelenskyy tweeted ahead of his arrival, describing the UK as a “leader” when it comes to Ukraine expanding its capabilities on the ground and in the air.

The British government’s announcement of new military aid follows last week’s confirmation that he donated long-range precision missiles to the Ukrainian army.

The government said the new arrangements which will be confirmed later today will be delivered in the coming months.

On Saturday, the German government promised Kiev its biggest military support package yet, with new arms deliveries worth 2.7 billion euros (£2.35 billion).

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What could happen next in Ukraine?

France also pledged additional military aid, as French President Emmanuel Macron and Mr Zelensky met at a surprise summit in Paris on Sunday.

Mr Macron’s office said France would supply dozens of light tanks and armored vehicles “in the coming weeks”, without giving specific numbers.

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Heavy fighting in the town of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine, which has inflicted heavy casualties on both sides, continues.

Neither Kyiv nor Moscow’s forces have been able to take full control of the city despite months of fighting, as analysis suggests the battle for the city is it is not about seizing ground but about maximizing enemy losses.

Mr Zelenskyy said his troops would not attack Russian territory as part of their counter-offensive.

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