Zelensky due to hold talks in Britain today, in his 2nd trip abroad since invasion

Volodymyr Zelensky will visit the UK today, Britain says, in the Ukrainian leader’s second overseas trip since Russian troops invaded his country nearly a year ago.

London uses the announcement of the visit to say it will offer fighter jet training to Ukraine, as Western allies debate how much military aid to give Kyiv amid warnings of an impending Russian offensive in the east.

Downing Street says Zelensky will meet Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and address parliament, announcing that the UK is planning “to train fighter jet pilots and marines” from the Ukrainian armed forces.

“The prime minister will offer to bolster the UK’s training offer for Ukrainian troops, including expanding it to fighter jet pilots to ensure Ukraine can defend its skies well into the future,” Sunak’s office says.

The training will “ensure pilots are able to fly sophisticated NATO-standard fighter jets in the future,” it adds.

Sunak will also “offer to begin an immediate training program for marines,” it adds.