Zelensky visit latest LIVE: Ukraine’s leader says relations with UK have reached ‘new level’

Volodymyr Zelensky and Rishi Sunak held a press conference on Wednesday evening as the Ukrainian President continued his historic visit to the UK.

The leaders took questions from reporters after meeting Ukrainian troops being trained by the British Army at a base in Dorset.

Mr Sunak told the joint press conference the UK's Challenger 2 tanks would be in operation in Ukraine by “next month”. He said the “sophisticated weapons” would “soon be making a difference on the battlefields of your country”.

Mr Zelensky said Kyiv’s relations with the UK have reached a “new level”.

"It is very clear that we are standing together with Great Britain,” he said.

Mr Zelensky and Mr Sunak arrived by helicopter at Lulworth Camp on the latest leg of the Ukraine leader’s whirlwind surprise visit.

Earlier, Mr Zelenszky was granted an audience with the King at Buckingham Palace.

The King said: “We've all been worried about you and thinking about your country for so long, I can't tell you.”

The audience followed Mr Zelensky’s address to Parliament, in which he urged the UK and the West to provide fighter jets as he told his audience: “Combat aircraft for Ukraine, wings for freedom.”

Mr Zelensky began his speech by thanking Britain on behalf of his country's “war heroes”.

He also thanked former prime minister Boris Johnson for the support he showed as Russia launched its invasion.

“London has stood with Kyiv since day one, from the first seconds and minutes of the full-scale war, Great Britain you extended your helping hand when the world had not yet come to understand how to react,” he said.

“Boris: you got others united when it seemed absolutely impossible. Thank you.”

Mr Zelensky earlier met Rishi Sunak at Number 10 after jetting in to Stansted airport for his surprise visit.

The war dominated Mr Sunak’s exchange with Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister’s Questions at midday.

End of live coverage

19:40 , Tom Davidson

That’s the end of our live coverage of the historic day.

Read more here.

Sunak suggests talks with allies needed over aircraft

18:22 , Josh Salisbury

In his final comments of the press conference, Mr Sunak has suggested there needs to be conversation with Britain’s allies over the supply of aircraft to Ukraine.

He adds: “And it is also a conversation we are having with our allies because, particularly some of the aircraft we have, are done through joint treaty with multiple other countries - I think we have seen that with previous bits of kit that others have had to give.

“For aircraft, that is something we are also involved in because, as I said, we have other allies involved in the provision of those bits of equipment.

“And as the president said, he is on his way to Europe after this to pick up this conversation with our partners and allies over there."

Sunak denies reluctance to send military equipment to Ukraine

18:19 , Josh Salisbury

Rishi Sunak has denied reticence in providing arms to Ukraine when asked he will send Typhoon fighter jets.

He is facing pressure from former PM Boris Johnson to immediately send fighter jets to Kyiv.

Responding to journalists, Mr Sunak said: “I don’t think there’s been any reticence at all actually. We’ve probably been the most forward-leaning country in trying to bring about a Ukrainian victory in this conflict.

“And that’s why as prime minister we decided to change our strategy to accelarate and intensify the amount of support we give to Ukraine so that we can bring about more decisive victory in a sooner time.”

He added: “With regards to aircraft, we’ve already said nothing is off the table. The first step on that has to be have people who can fly what are very sophisticated pieces of kit ... We need to make sure they can operate the aircraft they would potentially be using.

“But there’s a supply chain around such sophisticated aircraft and those are the conversations the president and I are having.”

Zelensky: Risk of ‘stagnation’ if we don’t get fighter jets

18:12 , Josh Salisbury

Volodymyr Zelensky said that without the fighter jets he is asking for there is a risk of “stagnation” in his country’s struggle against Russia.

In a joint press conference with Rishi Sunak in Dorset, the Ukrainian president said through a translator: “Now we’ve come to kind of this stagnation phase.

“You’ve just asked me what would happen if we don’t get these fighter jets or longer-range missiles, or we don’t have enough ammunition, because everything obviously is running out and coming out of maintenance.

“Without the weapons that we are discussing now and the weapons that we just discussed with Rishi earlier today and how Britain is going to help us, you know, all of this is very important. Without this, there would be stagnation which will not bring to anything good.”

Sunak: Pressing need is for long-range missiles

18:06 , Josh Salisbury

Pressed by a reporter from BBC Ukraine whether a decision on sending warplanes to Ukraine is taking too long, Mr Sunak replies: “As the president said, the main priority right here and now is main battle tanks - which we led on - but also those long range missiles.

“In all the talking we’ve done and planning for how we can have decisive victory on the battlefield and make progress, it requires long-range missiles ... that’s the conversation we’ve been having and again we hope Britain can lead.”

Sunak: ‘Nothing off the table’ in sending fighter pilots to Ukraine

17:58 , Josh Salisbury

Asked whether Britain will send fighter jets to Ukraine as asked, Rishi Sunak has said that “nothing is off the table”.

Responding to questions at a joint press conference with Volodymyr Zelensky, Mr Sunak said: “We’ve been very clear and have been clear for a very long time that when it comes to the provision of military assistance to Ukraine, nothing is off the table.

“And that’s because we’re determined that Volodymyr, the president, and his people can be victorious against Russian aggression. And we’ve backed up that rhetoric with action”.

Zelensky: Discussions were ‘very fruitful’

17:54 , Josh Salisbury

Volodymyr Zelensky said his discussions with Rishi Sunak were “very fruitful” as he thanked Britain for its support.

In a joint press conference with Mr Sunak on a military base in Dorset, the Ukrainian president said through a translator: “I’m not able to share with you all of the details what we’ve been talking about and how it is specifically we are going to strengthen Ukraine.

“However I would like to say that this day has become very fruitful and I’m grateful to the Prime Minister for understanding our needs and for his helpful advice and for the decisions that are truly helping our Ukrainian warriors to become stronger.

“I’m also grateful to His Majesty for the opportunity to have a meeting and conversation with him, and I’m grateful to all of the members of the British Parliament who today to my address clearly showed that Great Britain will never betray their brave spirit.”

Sunak: UK tanks to be operational in Ukraine by next month

17:49 , Josh Salisbury

Rishi Sunak has said the UK’s Challenger 2 tanks would be in operation in Ukraine by “next month”.

Speaking during a joint press conference in Dorset alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Mr Sunak said the “sophisticated weapons” would “soon be making a difference on the battlefields of your country”.

He added: “The Ukrainian crews who arrived last week will be using Challenger 2 tanks to defend Ukraine sovereign territory next month.”

Touching on the expansion of a UK-Ukrainian armed forces training programme, Mr Sunak added: “We must arm Ukraine in the short term but we must bolster Ukraine for the long term.

“Your country cannot be left vulnerable to attack ever again.”

Zelensky and Sunak meet Ukrainian troops being trained by Britain

17:23 , Josh Salisbury

Rishi Sunak and Volodymyr Zelensky have arrived by helicopter at Lulworth Camp, Dorset, to meet Ukrainian troops being trained by the British Army.

Mr Zelensky thanked Mr Sunak for his support before presenting medals to some of his troops.

Mr Sunak said: “It is a privilege for us to have all of you here and your courage is inspiring to us and the courage of your families is inspiring to us.

“We will be there until the end and you are victorious."

The pair were shown a Challenger 2 tank simulator being used to train Ukrainian troops, before signing a declaration of unity and shaking hands.

Ukrainian delegation leaves Buckingham Palace after meeting with King

15:56 , Josh Salisbury

The meeting between the King and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continued in private, said Buckingham Palace in a readout.

The pair were joined by the King’s principal private secretary Sir Clive Alderton and - from Ukraine - Andriy Yermak, head of the president’s office, and Dmytro Kuleba, minister of foreign affairs.

They sat in the 1844 Room for 30 minutes of conversation about the continuing conflict in Ukraine, and the part Britain has played in supporting the nation. Tea was served.

Further representatives from Ukraine were then welcomed into the room for an introduction and informal conversation with the King and a chance to have pictures taken individually.

The Ukrainian party then departed through the Grand Entrance, Buckingham Palace said.

King tells Zelensky: ‘We’ve all been so worried about you'

15:53 , Josh Salisbury

The King told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky he was delighted to welcome him to the Palace.

Mr Zelensky replied that it was “a great honour to be here”, adding: “Thank you for finding the time for me.”

The King said: “We’ve all been worried about you and thinking about your country for so long, I can’t tell you.”

Mr Zelensky replied: “Thank you so much.”

The King went on to say he had heard that the president had addressed both Houses of Parliament earlier in the day.

Mr Zelensky said what a “big support” they had been. The monarch replied: “I’m so glad.”

Pictured: Zelensky and Sunak enjoy tea

15:28 , Miriam Burrell

Zelensky given ‘spent bullet casing’ by PM

15:25 , Miriam Burrell

Rishi Sunak gave Volodymyr Zelensky an unusual gift when they met this morning.

The Prime Minister presented the Ukrainian President with a spent bullet casing from the 62 gun salute in the Tower of London following the death of the Queen.

Mr Sunak’s wife, Akshata Murthy, gave the Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska a Ukraine sunflower scarf from Aspinal.

Proceeds from the scarf go to the Centre for Women’s Perspectives in Ukraine.

Ukrainian pilots to arrive in spring

15:18 , Miriam Burrell

Downing Street said the UK was hoping to receive the first Ukrainian pilots in the spring, but would not give a specific date.

“Obviously we want it to start as soon as possible,” the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said, but Downing Street stressed that it would be a long-term process.

“But these are complex pieces of military equipment. And as you know the current training period for UK pilots is around five years.

“We think this is right to provide both short-term equipment like Challenger tanks, additional guns, longer-range capabilities that can help win the war now, but also look to the medium-to-long term to ensure Ukraine has every possible capability it requires.”

UK to investigate what jets to give Ukraine

15:15 , Miriam Burrell

Rishi Sunak has asked the Defence Secretary to investigate what jets the UK could potentially give to Ukraine, Downing Street said, but called it a “long-term solution”.

King speaks on Ukraine

15:05 , Miriam Burrell

The King has made several comments about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine before he met with President Zelensky this afternoon.

In May 2022, Charles, then the Prince of Wales, spoke out about the “nightmare situation” in Ukraine during a trip to Romania to meet refugees who have fled the war in their homeland.

The prince told a group of Ukrainian families: “We feel for Ukraine, a nightmare situation. Keep praying.”

In March last year, Charles said the values of democracy were under attack in Ukraine in the “most unconscionable way”.

“In the stand we take here, we are in solidarity with all those who are resisting brutal aggression,” he said.

Charles has been outspoken in the past about Russian president Vladimir Putin and his annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea.

He sparked a diplomatic storm in 2014 when he compared Putin to Hitler during a visit to Canada.

Putin, in a direct message to Charles, publicly branded the comments “unacceptable” and said such remarks were “not what monarchs do”.

Zelensky says meeting King ‘truly special'

14:56 , Miriam Burrell

In his address to MPs at Westminster Hall earlier on Wednesday, President Zelensky said it is an “honour” to be meeting King Charles III.

“It will be a truly special moment for me, for our country, and in particular because I will convey to him from all the Ukrainians the words of gratitude for the support His Majesty showed to them when he was still the Prince of Wales.”

He said he intended to tell him that was “very, very, very important”.

“In Britain, the king is an air force pilot and in Ukraine today, every air force pilot is a king.”

Boris Johnson says Typhoon jets are ‘four-nation’ plane

14:50 , Miriam Burrell

Boris Johnson said supplying Typhoon jets to Ukraine would require the support of Germany, Italy and Spain.

The former prime minister, who was personally thanked in President Zelensky’s address, said: “It is true that the Typhoon is a four-nation plane and that we require the approval of allies for export. But there is no reason to think that Germany or others should oppose our decision – these are UK planes.”

Pictured: King and Zelenksy meet

14:45 , Miriam Burrell

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shakes hands with the King at Buckingham Palace as they meet for the first time.

Zelensky greeted at King’s Door

14:34 , Miriam Burrell

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was greeted at the King’s Door firstly by the King’s equerry, Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson.

Lt Col Thompson, dressed in his military uniform with kilt, shook hands with Mr Zelensky before introducing him to Sir Clive Alderton, principal private secretary to the King and Queen Consort.

Sir Clive also shook hands with the president before welcoming him inside Buckingham Palace.

Zelensky arrives at Buckingham Palace

14:29 , Miriam Burrell

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived at Buckingham Palace for his audience with the King.

It is the first time the monarch has met Mr Zelensky.

The Ukrainian leader was driven through the front gates of the royal residence and into the quadrangle.

Highlights from President Zelensky’s address

14:05 , Miriam Burrell

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky personally thanked both Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak for their support and gifted a Ukrainian pilot’s helmet during his address to MPs at Westminster Hall.

He spoke of “delicious English tea” but pushed for “powerful English planes” after remembering a visit to the Churchill War Rooms in 2020.

A tour guide asked him “how did I feel?”. Mr Zelensky said: “And I said that I suddenly felt something. But it is only now that I know what the feeling was.

He said that Ukraine calls for a “special compensation mechanism, which will compensate war losses at the expense of Russian assets”.

Mr Zelensky said it would be a “truly special moment” to meet with the King this afternoon.

“In Britain, the King is an air force pilot and in Ukraine today, every air force pilot is a king.”

Foreign Secretary praises ‘powerful speech'

13:51 , Miriam Burrell

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has praised President Zelensky for “a powerful speech”.

“We are backing Ukraine until they are victorious,” he tweeted.

Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said Mr Zelensky is the “embodiment of the Ukrainian people’s bravery”.

Zelensky shakes hands with MPs

13:42 , Miriam Burrell

Zelensky has shaken hands with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer among others as he was led down to the crowd of MPs following his address.

Watch: Zelensky arrives in UK

13:38 , Miriam Burrell

Pictured: Zelensky’s address at Westminster Hall

13:37 , Miriam Burrell

Zelensky thanks Parliament in advance for ‘powerful English planes’

13:34 , Miriam Burrell

President Zelensky ended his address to MPs by thanking the country for its “delicious English tea”.

He said he will leave Parliament today “thanking you in advance for powerful English planes”.

“Long live the King,” he added.

Zelensky presents gift to UK

13:32 , Miriam Burrell

President Zelensky has gifted the UK with a Ukrainian pilot’s helmet.

It bears the words “we have freedom give us wings to protect it”.

‘The King is an air force pilot’

13:28 , Miriam Burrell

President Zelensky said it will be an honour to be received by His Majesty the King this afternoon at Buckingham Palace.

“It will be a truly special moment for me, for our country,” he told MPs

“I will convey to him words of gratitidue for the words of support he showed to Ukrainians when he was still the Prince of Wales.

He said he will tell the King that in Britain, “the King is an air force pilot and in Ukraine today, every air force pilot is a King”.

Sunak thanked for ‘powerful defensive’ support

13:24 , Miriam Burrell

President Zelensky said Ukrainian soldiers are being trained in Britain and he thanked Rishi Sunak for today’s announcement of further support.

“I thank you Rishi for these powerful defensive steps for tank assistance,” he told the Prime Minister.

“It will allow us to make the evil completely retreat from our country.”

‘The world needs your leadership Britain,’ Zelensky says

13:20 , Miriam Burrell

“The world needs your leadership, Britain, just as it needs Ukrainian bravery,” President Zelensky told MPs during his address at Westminster Hall.

He said together with US, the UK and Ukraine created “a true coalition of friends”, and a “coalition of values” together with the G7.

“Your help was preventive,” he added.

‘We know that Russia will lose'

13:17 , Miriam Burrell

“We know that Russia will lose,” President Zelensky said.

“We will always come out on top of evil. This lies at the core of our, and your, traditions.

“However the horizon never stays clear for a while, when the old evil is defeated, the new one is attempting to raise its head.”

Boris Johnson thanked for uniting allies

13:15 , Miriam Burrell

President Zelensky has thanked former Prime Minister Boris Johnson for uniting allies in support for Ukraine “from day one” of Russia’s invasion.

Zelensky visited Churchill war rooms

13:13 , Miriam Burrell

President Zelensky said he visited the Churchill war rooms in 2020 and a tour guide offered for him to sit in an armchair.

“I suddenly felt something...but it is only now that I know what that feeling was,” he told MPs at Westminster Hall.

He explained how that feelingof bravery “takes your through unimaginable hardships to finally reward you with victory”.

Zelensky stands ‘on behalf of the brave'

13:10 , Miriam Burrell

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he stands before the people of UK on “behalf of the brave”, defenders of the sky, conscripts and parents who are waiting for their children to return from war.

Zelensky ‘put himself at risk’ to visit UK

13:06 , Miriam Burrell

Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle said Parliament is “honoured” that President Zelensky has put himself at risk to visit the UK and shine a light on the fact that his country is still fighting.

“I do not believe any of us in the room are complacent about the realities of conflict,” he said to MPs in Westminster Hall.

Zelensky applauded at Westminster Hall

13:01 , Miriam Burrell

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived at Westminster Hall to rapturous applause from more than 600 MPs at a packed Westminster Hall.

Zelensky arrives at Westminster Hall

12:51 , Miriam Burrell

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived at Parliament ahead of his address to MPs.

He shook hands with the Speaker of the House of Commons and the House of Lords before making his way to a packed Westminster Hall.

MPs including Michael Fabricant have lined up to hear from the Ukrainian leader.

Zelensky to address MPs

12:37 , Miriam Burrell

Prime Minister’s Questions has ended ahead of President Zelensky’s address to MPs at Parliament.

Mr Zelensky will address both Houses in Westminster Hall at 1pm.

PM asked about further aid for Turkey, Syria

12:34 , Miriam Burrell

MP Feryal Clark said it’s the third day after the deadly earthquake in Turkey and Syria, which means the likelihood of pulling survivors out of the rubble is “less and less likely”.

“Can I ask the Prime Minister when we can expect an announcement on further aid?” she asked.

Rishi Sunak said he spoke to Turkey’s president yesterday who said search and rescue teams are most needed right now.

He said in Syria the UK is funding the White Helmets team, who are working on the ground.

40,000 Devon residents waiting for energy bill support

12:30 , Miriam Burrell

MP Richard Foord said more than 40,000 residents in Devon live “off the gas grid” and need energy bill government support “up front”.

“What will the Prime Minister say to these people waiting for alternative payment five months later?” he asked.

Rishi Sunak said “that money should be getting to them” and he would “make sure” that happens.

PM asked to mark invasion of Ukraine with minute’s silence

12:27 , Miriam Burrell

On February 24 it will be one year since Russia invaded Ukraine, MP Vicky Ford said.

She asked Rishi Sunak if he will call for a national minute of silence on that date.

The Prime Minister said “I’m sure it’s something we are considering as we speak and there are many other ways we can mark that moment” including “international condemnation” of Russia.

PM asked to pay social care workers more

12:24 , Miriam Burrell

The Prime Minister was asked to pay a higher minimum wage to social care workers, as outlined in the Liberal Democrat’s plan.

Rishi Sunak said a further £14 billion in funding has been given to health and social care workers.

Human trafficking ‘nothing to do’ with small boat crossings

12:22 , Miriam Burrell

Human trafficking has nothing to do with people crossing the Channel in small boats, MP Philip Hollobone said.

A third of all trafficking of UK occurs wholly in the borders. He called for a specific position to be created to tackle the problem.

Mr Sunak said he is proud of the UK’s “world leading” legislation against human trafficking.

UK has ‘unbreakable friendship’ with Ukraine

12:16 , Miriam Burrell

Rishi Sunak has said the UK has an “unbreakable friendship” with Ukraine.

Opening PMQs, he said: “I am proud that we are expanding the training for Ukrainian forces to include jet pilots and marines, and ensure that Ukraine has a military able to defend its interests today and in to the future.”

Sunak asked if he regrets Truss’s time as PM

12:15 , Miriam Burrell

SNP leader Stephen Flynn said former Prime Minister Liz Truss said did not regret her time in office.

Mr Sunak was asked if he regrets Ms Truss’s time in office.

The Prime Minister said he is grateful to all who contribute to UK politics. He said mistakes were made but the Government has “a clear plan to halve inflation and grow the economy”.

UK is ‘leading European ally for Ukraine'

12:12 , Miriam Burrell

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: “We in this house have a duty to stand on the shoulders of giants and support Ukraine’s fight for freedom, liberty and victory.”

Rishi Sunak said UK is the leading European ally for Ukraine, and it will continue to invest in military support for the country.

Putin ‘and all his cronies’ must face justice

12:10 , Miriam Burrell

When the war in Ukraine is over, President Putin “and all his cronies” must stand ...and face justice.

Rishi Sunak said the UK must hold those to acocunt for the “horrific crimes they have committed”.

UK support for Ukraine ‘goes even further’ today

12:07 , Miriam Burrell

Rishi Sunak said the Government has accelerated military support for Ukraine this year.

The Prime Minister said today “we are going even further” by providing challenger tanks and moves to start training Ukrainian marines and pilots.

UK can be proud of support to Ukraine, PM says

12:05 , Miriam Burrell

Sir Keir Starmer said no experiences compare to the pain and suffering of the people of Ukraine. He said it is vital to stand together in full support of Ukraine.

Rishi Sunak said the entire House of Commons can be proud it came together to stand with Ukraine “when it mattered”.

PMQs to begin

11:57 , Miriam Burrell

After welcoming President Zelensky to Downing St, Rishi Sunak is heading to the House of Commons to answer questions from MPs.

Then Mr Zelensky will address Parliament at 1pm.

Zelensky thanks UK for support

11:53 , Miriam Burrell

Standing inside No 10 Downing Street alongside Rishi Sunak, President Zelensky said it was a “great honour” to visit the UK.

Speaking in White Room ahead of bilateral talks with Rishi Sunak, he 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.”

Mr 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”.

Zelensky in London ‘to thank the British people'

11:44 , Miriam Burrell

President Zelensky has said he is visiting London “to personally thank the British people”.

He said the UK was one of the first countries to come to Ukraine’s aid after Russia’s invasion.

Zelensky arrives at Downing St

11:40 , Miriam Burrell

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in Downing Street as he visits the UK for the first time since Russia invaded his country.

He and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak chatted as they walked from their car to No 10.

The pair then shook hands outside the famous black door and waved to the cameras, before heading in to hold talks.

Five people linked to Putin targeted in sanctions

11:36 , Miriam Burrell

The Foreign Office said that sanctions have targeted five individuals linked to Vladimir Putin’s luxury residences, including presidential commissioner for entrepreneur’s rights Boris Titov and Aerostart owner Viktor Myachin.

CST, a manufacturer of Russian drones, RT-Komplekt, which produces parts for helicopters used by Russia in the war against Ukraine, are among the entities sanctioned.

New sanctions announced against Russia as Zelensky touches down in London

11:10 , Barney Davis

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has announced a fresh round of sanctions against the Russian military and some Kremlin figures, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky makes a visit to the UK.

The sanctions package hits six entities the Foreign Office said provided military equipment such as drones to the Russia government, as well as eight individuals and one entity linked to Russian financial networks.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: “Ukraine has shown Putin that it will not break under his tyrannical invasion. He has responded by indiscriminately striking civilian areas and critical national infrastructure across the country.

“We cannot let him succeed. We must increase our support.”

“These new sanctions accelerate the economic pressure on Putin – undermining his war machine to help Ukraine prevail. I am determined, consistent with our laws, that Russia will have no access to the assets we have frozen until it ends, once and for all, its threats to Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty and integrity.”

Rishi Sunak greeted Volodymyr Zelensky as the Ukrainian President arrived in the UK.

11:05 , Barney Davis

The Prime Minister tweeted a picture of the pair, with Mr Sunak embracing his Ukrainian counterpart at Stansted.

“Welcome to the UK, President Zelensky,” he tweeted.

Zelensky arrives in UK

10:39 , Miriam Burrell

Volodymyr Zelensky has landed at Stansted Airport.

The Ukrainian leader is heading to Westminster where he will meet the Prime Minister before addressing MPs.

UK to announce fresh sanctions on Putin’s allies

10:35 , Miriam Burrell

The UK is set to announce new sanctions targeting those who have helped Vladimir Putin build his personal wealth and firms which have profited from the war.

The sanctions will hit companies who are profiting from “the Kremlin’s war machine”, Downing Street said in a statement.

King to meet Zelensky

10:30 , Miriam Burrell

The King will hold an audience with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky today, Buckingham Palace has said.

Mr Zelensky will be greeted in the Palace quadrangle before being taken to meet the monarch inside the royal residence.

Zelensky and Sunak last met in Kyiv

10:27 , Miriam Burrell

Volodymyr Zelensky and Rishi Sunak met last when the Prime Minister visited Kyiv, Ukaine’s capital, in November.

The Ukrainian President’s visit to the UK is believed to be his second foreign visit since the conflict started.

He visited Joe Biden in the White House in December and also addressed Congress.

Mr Zelensky’s trip to the UK comes almost a year after he made a virtual address to the UK Parliament.

Read more here.

Why is Volodymyr Zelensky visiting the UK?

10:22 , Miriam Burrell

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will use his surprise visit to the UK to see his country’s troops being trained by the British armed forces.

Rishi Sunak is expanding the training offered by the UK to include fighter jet pilots and marines, and has promised an “immediate surge” of military equipment including longer-range weapons.

Downing Street said the Government is following a “two-pronged” approach, with more military kit now to counter a spring offensive by Russia, with long-term support for the future.

Although Ukraine is desperate for fighter jets immediately to counter the Russian air force, the length of the required training means that No 10 has said the pilot programme is a “long-term capability investment”.