12 January 2024 , 08:02
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Rishi Sunak has issued a stark warning to Vladimir Putin as he made a surprise visit to Ukraine.
The PM, who was awarded the Ukrainian Order of Freedom by President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, announced £2.5billion of support for the war effort. He told Mr Zelensky: "Putin might think that he can outlast us but he is wrong.
"We stand with you today, tomorrow and for as long as it takes." And the PM added that failing to defeat Putin would have wider repercussions.
"Waiver now and we embolden not just Putin, but his allies in North Korea, Iran and elsewhere," he said. That's why the United Kingdom and the free world will continue to stand with Ukraine, as we have since the very beginning of this war."
He made the journey to the warzone shortly after ordering air strikes in Yemen. Mr Zelensky has voiced fears that the crisis in the Middle East is drawing the world's attention away from his country's war with Russia.
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Rishi Sunak has travelled to Ukraine to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv (PA)No10 said that the £2.5 billion in funding - an increase of £200 million on the last two years - would cover long-range missiles, air defence, artillery ammunition and maritime security. Mr Sunak said he wanted to send a "strong signal" of the UK's support for Ukraine with his visit.
Mr Zelensky thanked the PM for his "personal leadership" after the pair signed a new security accord in Kyiv. Mr Sunak was awarded with the Ukrainian order of freedom honour recognising his "outstanding personal contribution into strengthening Ukrainian-British interstate co-operation, supporting state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine".
Speaking at a press conference alongside Mr Sunak, the Ukrainian President said through a translator: "Dear Prime Minister, thank you for your personal leadership."
As news of the meeting emerged, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev lashed out: "What would Western public say, if the British representatives happened to be bombarded with cluster ammunition in the centre of Kiev, just as was the case with our innocent civilians in Belgorod? And I also hope that our archenemies, the impudent British understand that officially stationing their troops in Ukraine would mean declaration of war against our country."
Speaking in Kyiv, Mr Sunak said Putin has to recognise that British support for Ukraine remains strong. He stated: "We are one of Ukraine's most significant supporters, particularly when it comes to providing military aid. I'm pleased to be here today to announce an increase in the aid that we're providing.
"The aid that we've got in place already runs through to the early part of this year. So we're acting in advance of that expiring with a new commitment of two and a half billion pounds - more than we've provided in previous years." He said he warned to "to send a strong signal of support to the Ukrainian people, but also a strong signal of support that Vladimir Putin needs to recognise we're not going anywhere".
He said: "I'm here with one clear message. The United Kingdom stands with Ukraine."
Mr Zelensky yesterday said Moscow is buying artillery shells and missiles from North Korea and drones from Iran as he pleaded for more help. Estonian President Alar Karis said during a joint press conference: "Ukraine needs more, it needs better weapons. We must boost military production capabilities so that Ukraine may get what it needs," he said. "And it's not tomorrow, they should get it today."
He said that while European Union countries have provided over £73.1billion to aid the war effort, the flow has slowed - raising alarm in Ukraine.