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.
Rishi Sunak meets President Volodymyr Zelensky at the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan
Rishi talks with US President Joe Biden
The PM takes part in making a traditional Japanese pancake
It came after America finally gave the nod to other nations sending their fighter jet planes to the war effort if they want to.
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.
“It tells the world that the G7 stands united with the people of Ukraine, in the face of a terrible onslaught.
“And it demonstrates that brute force and oppression will not triumph over freedom and sovereignty.
“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”.
Meanwhile, it emerged that Mr Sunak had himself pitched the idea to President Zelensky to attend the summit more than a month ago – and the move was welcomed by the Ukrainian chief and other 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. Important meetings with partners and friends of Ukraine. Security and enhanced cooperation for our victory. 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.
Mr Sunak also had another one-on-one chat with President Macron of France, where the pair discussed more action to stop small boats.
The G7’s latest communique noted the impact of migration on the G7 nations for the first time since 2017.
