Zelenskyy and Bernam are to discuss joint drone production and military technology in London
On 27 July, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in London. This will be the British Prime Minister’s first meeting with a foreign head of state since taking office, according to DW.
The visit will take place on the eve of Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s trip to Washington, scheduled for 28 July.
Andy Burnham stated that the UK stands “shoulder to shoulder” with Ukraine, and its support remains unwavering.
“Russia must have no doubt about our resolve, and we will not back down until we achieve a lasting and just peace for Ukraine,” said the British Prime Minister.
During the visit, the parties will tour a naval base and meet with Ukrainian and British military personnel involved in training the Ukrainian armed forces.
Ahead of the talks, the British government also announced the transfer to Ukraine of technology for the new Stone Cloak electronic warfare system. According to Downing Street, these compact systems, which are mounted on drones, help prevent Russian air defence systems from detecting and tracking drones whilst in flight. Thousands of such devices have already been supplied to Ukraine.
“Stone Cloak is a British innovation, tried and tested on the front line, and it will be vital for safeguarding our security in both our countries,” said Andy Burnham.
In an interview with Sky News, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had already spoken on the phone with the new British Prime Minister and expressed his hope for a productive bilateral meeting.
According to the President, Ukraine and the UK must “turn a new page” in their bilateral relations. One of the key topics of the talks will be the “drone deal”.
Zelenskyy stated that he is proposing to build a large drone manufacturing plant in the UK based on new technologies and to exchange expertise between the two countries.
“We are ready to share all our experience with the UK. I hope the UK will do the same,” said the President.
According to the head of state, during the talks he plans to discuss not only Ukraine’s current needs, but also the future model of bilateral cooperation and opportunities to strengthen the defence capabilities of both countries.
The President also noted that, in his view, funding, technology and specialist training are required to implement new joint projects.
Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has its own missile development programmes, whilst praising the British Storm Shadow missiles and expressing interest in their production or the development of similar systems.
He also noted that the UK is interested in Ukrainian drones, particularly maritime ones, and that Ukraine is ready to share its expertise.
Separately, the President emphasised the need to establish a European anti-ballistic air defence system. According to him, Ukraine and the UK could work on this together.
