Sunak and Zelenskyy Remain Cautious After Russia's Statements About Withdrawing From Kherson
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about Russia's withdrawal from Kherson.
"The leaders agreed that any Russian withdrawal from the occupied city of Kherson would demonstrate strong progress for the Ukrainian forces and reinforce the weakness of Russia's military offensive, but it was right to continue to exercise caution until the Ukrainian flag was raised over the city," Prime Minister's Office published this on their website.
The UK Prime Minister praised the bravery of the Ukrainian armed forces and reiterated the UK’s unwavering military, economic and political support. He expressed his horror at the ongoing Russian drone strikes on civilian areas and confirmed that the UK would continue providing further military aid, including another 1,000 surface-to-air missiles and more than 25,000 extreme cold winter kits for troops.
Zelenskyy set out how the UK's military support protects vital energy infrastructure and helps Ukrainian troops advance on the battlefield.
"I had a phone call with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. We discussed the multifaceted defense support for Ukraine and assistance in enduring the winter period. We also spoke in favor of the continuation of the "grain deal" and agreed positions on the eve of important international events," Zelenskyy wrote on Twitter following the conversation.
I had a phone call with 🇬🇧 PM @RishiSunak. We discussed the multifaceted defense support for Ukraine and assistance in enduring the winter period. We also spoke in favor of the continuation of the "grain deal" and agreed positions on the eve of important international events.
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) November 10, 2022
In addition, as the UK Prime Minister office reports, ahead of the G20 meeting next week, the leaders discussed the importance of continued coordinated international support for Ukraine. They agreed Russia must be held to account for its actions and prevented from blocking vital supplies of Ukrainian grain and fertiliser reaching global markets.