Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in the United Kingdom for his first visit since Russia invaded Ukraine nearly a year ago.
The Ukrainian President arrived at Stansted Airport around 10.23 a.m. in a Boeing C-17A Globemaster III plane.
Mr Zelensky has been surrounded by a steel ring, and Westminster has been placed on high alert for security threats. He is now driving through London, surrounded by a fleet of armoured vehicles.
He plans to use his surprise visit to see Ukrainian troops being trained by the British military. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced plans for the British Armed Forces to train Ukrainian pilots, allowing them to fly advanced NATO-standard jets.
Mr Zelensky will address the House of Commons from Westminster Hall at 1pm before visiting Ukrainian troops training in the South West with Mr Sunak.
Later this afternoon, the two leaders will hold a joint press conference, and Buckingham Palace has announced that Mr Zelensky will meet with King Charles III at the royal residence.
“The United Kingdom was one of the first to come to Ukraine’s aid, and today I’m in London to personally thank the British people for their support and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for his leadership,” President Zelensky said.
Over 10,000 Ukrainian troops have been trained at bases across the UK, including some on Challenger 2 tanks that the UK is sending to Ukraine.
Britain is one of Ukraine’s most ardent military supporters, having sent the country more than £2 billion in weapons and equipment since the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022.