PM Sunak vows further deliveries of lethal aid after 'barbaric' Russian airstrikes in Ukraine

Rishi Sunak discussed providing "further deliveries of lethal aid" to Ukraine with Volodymyr Zelensky as he vowed for Britain to "stand steadfastly by" Kyiv throughout 2024.

A Downing Street spokeswoman, in a readout of Tuesday's phone call between the two leaders, said: "Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky today.

"He offered his condolences to all those Ukrainians killed and injured in barbaric Russian airstrikes over the Christmas period."

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The spokeswoman went on to say: "The Prime Minister said the UK would continue to stand steadfastly by Ukraine as they fight aggression and occupation, throughout 2024 and into the future.

"The leaders discussed recent developments in the conflict, including progress in the Black Sea and the success of the Ukrainian air defence, bolstered by UK-supplied ground-to-air missiles.

"The Prime Minister set out ongoing UK work to provide military and diplomatic support to Ukraine, including through further deliveries of lethal aid, support for President Zelensky's peace plan and a long-term security framework."

The news from Downing Street comes after Turkey denied two ex-Royal Navy minehunter ships permission to enter its waters en route to the Black Sea where the ships are destined to be used by Ukraine's military.