Britain to Supply Ukraine with Hundreds of Combat Drones

London plans to supply hundreds of anti-aircraft missiles and drones to Kyiv. F-16 fighter jets training for Ukrainian pilots will start this summer. The UK intends to transfer to Ukraine hundreds of anti-aircraft missiles and combat drones. The news was announced by the British government on Monday, 15 May, in connection with the visit of Volodymyr Zelensky to London. As specified, the range of the drones exceeds 200 kilometers. Earlier, London confirmed the delivery of long-range Storm Shadow cruise missiles to Kyiv. Also this summer, the UK will start basic training for Ukrainian pilots to operate F-16 fighter jets, the British government’s website reported. A program used by Royal Air Force pilots will be adapted for Ukrainians. “This training goes hand in hand with U.K. efforts to work with other countries on providing F16 fighter jets to Ukraine,” the statement said. Zelensky’s visit to London On 15 May, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in the UK, where he met Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Sunak posted a photo of their meeting in his Twitter microblog with the caption “Welcome back”. Prior to this, Zelensky visited France, Italy and Germany. According to the Ukrainian President, his visits to European capitals are linked in particular to his intention to create a “jet coalition”. “Part of my visits to European capitals are aimed precisely at this. I think we will succeed,” Zelensky said earlier in Berlin during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.