'HELP US'
President Zelensky begs Sir Keir Starmer to show leadership and let Ukraine strike Russia with British weapons
Ukraine has spent months pleading with Western leaders to lift restrictions on weapons
VOLODYMYR Zelensky yesterday begged Sir Keir Starmer to show leadership and let Ukraine strike Russia with British weapons.
In a historic address to the Cabinet, the president urged ministers to help Kyiv with its “long-range capabilities”.
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Mr Zelensky yesterday morning became the first world leader since 1997 to sit with the Prime Minister’s top team in No10.
Cutting straight to the chase, he told them: “I ask you to show leadership in this and please convince other partners to remove the limits.”
Ukraine has spent months pleading with Western leaders to lift restrictions on weapons such as the British Storm Shadow.
It insists that being able to strike deep inside Russia would bolster its defences and secure the front line.
Mr Zelensky told ministers: “Putin has no shame in hitting residential areas, city squares, hospitals, and schools with bombs.
“But it is possible to destroy all the bomb carriers.
“The UK should show leadership in this and convince other partners to remove the limits.”
But in line with their predecessors, Sir Keir and Defence Secretary John Healey have refused explicitly to approve such attacks.
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A No10 spokesman said: “We have been providing military aid to support Ukraine’s clear right to self-defence against Russia’s illegal acts in accordance with international humanitarian law.
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“Equipment provided by the UK is intended for the defence of Ukraine.”
Mr Healey added: “We’re providing weapons to Ukraine for their defence of their sovereign country.
“And that does not preclude them hitting targets in Russia.
“But that must be done by the Ukrainians, it must be done within the parameters and the bounds of international humanitarian law.”
Senior ministers gave Mr Zelensky a standing ovation as he became the first leader to address Cabinet since then-US President Bill Clinton.
Sir Keir pledged “unshakeable” support for Ukraine.
He said: “It’s a very special moment for us to reiterate our support for you and the Ukrainian people in the fight against Russian aggression.
Mr Zelensky responded: “The faster you act, the more you will achieve.”