Zelensky to visit Starmer to sign new Ukraine-UK defence pact

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to visit Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in the UK on Tuesday to agree a new defence partnership aimed at tackling cheap attack drones.

Downing Street said the deal would bring together "Ukrainian expertise and the UK's industrial base" to manufacture and supply drones and other capabilities.

The two leaders are also expected to discuss further support Ukraine against Russia's full-scale invasion, now in its fourth year.

Under the partnership between the UK and Ukraine, closer co-operation in the defence industries will also be sought with third countries as part of efforts to bolster international security.

Britain will also give £500,000 to fund an AI centre of excellence in Kyiv.

In a statement ahead of the meeting, UK Defence Secretary John Healey said it was "increasingly important that we build on Ukrainian expertise and innovation".

Sir Keir said: "Drones, electronic warfare and rapid battlefield innovation are now central to national and economic security, and that has only been further magnified by the conflict in the Middle East.

"By deepening our defence partnerships, we are strengthening Ukraine's ability to defend itself from Russia's brutal, ongoing attacks, while ensuring the UK and our allies are better prepared to meet the threats of the future."

Wars ebb and flow, and right now Ukraine's facing a harsh tide. Rising oil prices are fuelling Russia's war machine, and allies are distracted and divided over the Middle East.

Zelensky is currently on a tour of European capitals to shore up support and keep his conflict at the forefront of allies' minds.

In his overnight address on Monday, Zelensky said he was working with allies to boost Ukraine's defences, but the key to peace was more putting more pressure on Russia.

Zelensky said Ukraine had "the greatest experience in the world in countering attack drones". In its fight against Russia, Ukraine has been using cheap, mass-produced interceptor drones to keep defend its skies.