UK pledges hundreds of new attack drones to Ukraine ahead of Zelensky’s surprise UK visit 

The UK has announced plans to send hundreds of long-range attack drones to Ukraine as part of increased military aid. Ahead of a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and UK PM Rishi Sunak, the government confirmed the provision of air defence missiles and unmanned aerial systems. The new long-range attack drones, with a range of over 200km, will bolster Ukraine’s resistance against Russia’s invasion. Germany and France have also pledged military support to Ukraine, with Germany committing arms deliveries worth €2.7bn and France supplying light tanks and armoured vehicles.

As Ukraine prepares for its counteroffensive against Russian forces, President Zelenskyy seeks increased support from allies during this European tour. The UK has been a significant provider of military aid to Ukraine since the invasion, and the latest announcement follows previous donations of long-range precision missiles. Fierce fighting continues in the eastern city of Bakhmut, with heavy losses on both sides. However, President Zelenskyy has stated that his troops will not attack Russian territory as part of the counteroffensive