Arabic version: ستارمر وزيلينسكي يشكلان شراكة دفاعية جديدة في صراع إيران
Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the need to maintain focus on Ukraine during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Downing Street. Starmer stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin should not benefit from the ongoing conflict in Iran, particularly concerning oil prices and sanctions.
According to BBC News, Zelensky described the regimes in Russia and Iran as “brothers in hatred,” highlighting Iran’s supply of kamikaze drones to Moscow, which have been utilized in the Ukrainian conflict. The leaders agreed on a new defense partnership focused on manufacturing and supplying drones and other military capabilities.
The partnership aims to combine Ukrainian expertise with the UK’s industrial base, fostering closer cooperation with third countries to enhance international security. Additionally, the UK will allocate £500,000 to establish an AI center of excellence in Kyiv. The discussions included further support for Ukraine as it continues to face Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Zelensky also met with the King at Buckingham Palace for a brief discussion, expressing gratitude for the UK’s unwavering support during challenging times. Starmer reiterated the UK’s commitment to Ukraine, stating that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East should not detract from the necessity of supporting Ukraine.
As the US-Israeli conflict with Iran persists, Zelensky is on a mission to rally European allies, stressing the importance of increasing pressure on Russia for a peaceful resolution. He noted that Ukraine has significant experience in countering drone attacks, which is critical in its ongoing defense efforts against Russia.
