Sunak tells Zelensky UK support for Ukraine is 'as strong as ever'
Rishi Sunak has reassured Volodymyr Zelensky of the UK's "steadfast support" in the first phone call between the new Prime Minister and Ukraine's leader.
Mr Sunak said Britain's support would be as "strong as ever" under his leadership, following the backing given to the war-torn country by his predecessors, Boris Johnson and Liz Truss.
Calling it a "privilege" to speak to Mr Zelensky, who had earlier sent him congratulations, Mr Sunak tweeted: "Both he and the Ukrainian people can count on the UK's continued solidarity and support.
"We will always stand with Ukraine."
Mr Zelensky took to Twitter to describe it as an "excellent conversation", with the pair agreeing to "write a new chapter" in relations between the two countries.
Speaking outside Number 10 on Tuesday, the new Prime Minister referenced Russia's invasion of Ukraine twice, saying: "Putin's war in Ukraine has destabilised energy markets and supply chains the world over."
A Downing Street spokesperson added: "The Prime Minister also noted the importance of the International Atomic Energy Agency's work in Ukraine to ensure nuclear safety and provide transparency around any disinformation.
"Both leaders agreed on the need to continue to place pressure on Putin's barbaric regime through continued economic sanctions.
"President Zelensky congratulated the Prime Minister on his appointment and wished him a happy Diwali. The Prime Minister thanked him and said he hoped they would see each other in person soon."
It comes as the Ministry of Defence (MOD) says the main rail link between Russia and southern Belarus has been targeted with an explosive device that damaged the railway near the village of Novozybkovo.
The Russian anti-war group 'Stop the Wagons' (STW) claimed responsibility for the incident.
The MOD believes it will concern the Russian military leadership that such a group is so opposed to the conflict that it would resort to physical sabotage.
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