Zelensky calls on the Prime Minister to assist in lifting weapon restrictions in Ukraine

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Sir Keir Starmer to demonstrate leadership by supporting the removal of restrictions on how Ukraine can utilize weapons supplied by its Western allies. Speaking at a meeting of the cabinet in Downing Street, Zelensky emphasized that the ability to target Russian territory would help deter attacks on residential areas in Ukraine.

Earlier discussions on the topic saw UK Defence Secretary John Healey clarify that the provision of weapons by the UK to Ukraine does not prevent them from targeting Russian locations. He stressed, however, that any such actions must adhere strictly to international humanitarian law. Healey noted that the UK is engaged in intensive discussions on these complex matters but refrained from disclosing specifics publicly.

During his visit to Downing Street, Zelensky expressed gratitude to the British government for its steadfast support, which he believes will contribute to ending the conflict with Russia. His presence prompted a standing ovation from senior ministers, marking the first time a foreign leader has addressed the cabinet in person since US President Bill Clinton in 1997.

Sir Keir Starmer pledged to escalate support for Ukraine, assuring Zelensky that political resolve to stand with Ukraine extends beyond Parliament throughout the UK. Starmer also accepted an invitation to visit Ukraine in the future.

In June, Ukraine received authorization to use Western-supplied weapons to target locations within Russia, expanding from previous permissions limited to occupied territories within Ukraine. However, this allowance excludes the use of long-range weapons capable of targeting deep inside Russian military installations, confining Ukraine to areas near its borders.

Recent events, including missile strikes by Russia on Ukrainian cities such as the recent attack on a children’s hospital in Kyiv, underscore Ukraine’s urgent need for enhanced defensive capabilities. Zelensky emphasized during the cabinet meeting that President Vladimir Putin must be held accountable for his disregard for human life, asserting that acquiring long-range strike capability is crucial to forcing Russia to pursue peace.

During his visit to Number 10, Zelensky signed a defense export support treaty aimed at facilitating investments by Ukrainian and UK defense companies in advanced military capabilities. This followed discussions at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire where European leaders committed to addressing Russia’s “shadow fleet” of tankers evading sanctions, suspected of transporting oil and weapons or serving as Russian intelligence assets.