BRITAIN’S support for Ukraine will “never waver”, Rishi Sunak vowed last night – as President Zelensky landed at a historic G7 summit in Japan.
The Ukrainian hero declared that “peace will become closer today” as he inched nearer to other nations signing off their F-16s to help the Russian fight.
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The announcement came shortly after the United States finally allowed other countries to send their fighter planes into the war effort, if they so choose.
US troops will also train Kyiv’s pilots to use the jets, America announced yesterday.
Zelensky held a tense meeting with India’s PM Modi last night, and was due to address other nations today including Brazil – in a bid to get them to join the West’s alliance against Russia.
But Russia warned countries would run “enormous risks” if they supplied their war machines to Ukraine, state media reported.
The PM hailed Zelensky’s “powerful” appearance as the world’s richest nations united together against Putin.
Mr Sunak said last night: “The G7 was once the G8 – Russia was expelled in 2014 for its illegal annexation of Crimea and flagrant abuse of human rights and the rule of law.
“Nine years on, it sends an incredibly powerful message to have my friend and Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy with us in Hiroshima today.
The G7’s united front with Ukraine in face of an onslaught is a powerful message.
It shows that freedom and sovereignty will always triumph over brute force, oppression and violence.
“From providing Challenger tanks to long-range missiles and pilot training, the UK’s support for Ukraine’s defence will never waver.
“I am delighted that the G7 has agreed on the importance of giving President Zelenskyy the advanced military equipment needed to win this war and prosper as a free and democratic nation.”
Ahead of a one-on-one chat, the pair were snapped in another warm embrace as the PM declared: “You made it!”
Asked if it was a good day, the Ukrainian president smiled, nodded and said “thank you”.
Sunak, meanwhile, revealed that he had already pitched this idea to Zelensky more than one month before. This was a move welcomed by both the Ukrainian president and world leaders.
Mr Sunak vowed that “brute force and oppression will not triumph over freedom and sovereignty” and the G7 stood united with the war-torn nation.
He said: “From providing Challenger tanks to long-range missiles and pilot training, the UK’s support for Ukraine’s defence will never waver.”
Mr Zelensky tweeted: “Japan. G7. Ukraine’s partners and allies are invited to important meetings. For our victory, we need security and improved cooperation. Peace will become closer today.”
It’s the furthest visit Zelensky has made since Russia invaded 15 months ago – and comes after a string of visits to the UK, France and Germany last week.
Sunak had a second one-on-1 chat with Macron, the French President. The two discussed how to take more steps against small boats.
The G7’s latest communique noted the impact of migration on the G7 nations for the first time since 2017.