Zelensky talks strengthening defense support with British PM’s adviser

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President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine discussed with Timothy Barrow, a National Security Adviser of the British Prime Minister, further strengthening defense support for Ukraine, and called on the British side to pioneer the so-called “warplane coalition” toward providing the embattled nation with fighter jets.

The meeting was also attended by the Chief of Britain’s Defense Staff Anthony Radakin and the assistant to the head of the British government for military affairs, Jamie Norman, Ukrinform reports with reference to the President’s Office.

The head of state noted Britain’s leadership in defense support for Ukraine.

"I’d like to ask you to continue to convince your partners of the need to provide Ukraine with all the necessary weapons and military equipment," Zelensky said.

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The president and the adviser to the British Prime Minister discussed the issue of further defense assistance amid the ongoing war Russia is waging against Ukraine.

Zelensky emphasized the importance of receiving Western warplanes from international partners, as well as other types of weapons necessary to repel Russian invaders. He called on Great Britain to pioneer the buildup of a warplane coalition for Ukraine that will provide the country with much-needed fighter jets.

The parties also discussed preparations for the NATO summit, which will be held in Vilnius this summer. The head of state noted that Ukraine expected specific decisions from the summit that would bring the end of the war closer and strengthen European security.

In this context, the president also briefed his interlocutor about the efforts toward creating effective security guarantees for Ukraine, as long as the country is on the way to becoming a member of the Alliance.

As reported, British Foreign Minister James Cleverly reaffirmed NATO's promise of Ukraine becoming a member in the future, but at the moment, the top diplomat believes the main focus should be on strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities.