Biden and Sunak discuss support for Ukraine and Houthi issue in Red Sea

US President Joe Biden has had a phone conversation with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

According to the the White House, during the conversation, Sunak and Biden explicitly reaffirmed their support for Ukraine, which is defending itself against ongoing Russian aggression. 

Additionally, the leaders discussed the attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels on commercial and military vessels passing through the Red Sea.

The conversation also touched on the importance of increasing humanitarian aid and protecting the civilian population in Gaza, as well as the release of hostages held by Hamas.

On 20 January, Rishi Sunak and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had a telephone conversation to discuss further assistance to Ukraine.

During Rishi Sunak's visit to Kyiv on 12 January, a bilateral security agreement was signed between the UK and Ukraine, which will be in effect until Ukraine joins NATO. This is the first bilateral agreement to implement the commitments agreed upon during the NATO Summit in Vilnius between Ukraine, G7 members and associated states.

Additionally, Sunak announced a substantial military aid package for Ukraine amounting to £2.5 billion. He also disclosed that London would allocate £200 million to produce drones for Ukraine.