President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky discussed on Thursday with British Prime Minister’s National Security Adviser Timothy Barrow further strengthening defense support for Ukraine and called on the British side to lead the so-called “coalition of combat aircraft” to provide the country with fighters. from.

“I would like to ask you to continue to convince your partners of the need to provide Ukraine with all the necessary weapons and military equipment,” Zelensky said, noting the UK’s leading role in Ukraine’s defense support.

The two men discussed further defense assistance amid Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.

Mr. Zelensky emphasized the importance of obtaining Western combat aircraft from international partners, as well as other types of weapons needed to repel the Russian occupiers. He urged Britain to lead the creation of a coalition of military aircraft for Ukraine, which will provide the country with much-needed fighters.

The parties also discussed preparations for the NATO summit to be held in Vilnius this summer. Mr. Zelensky noted that Ukraine is looking forward to concrete decisions from the summit that will hasten the end of the war and strengthen European security.

Earlier, the official representative of the command of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Yuriy Ignat, said that Kyiv needs up to 200 multi-purpose aircraft of Western production, while the priority is to receive American F-16s, French Rafales. and the Swedish Gripen are being considered as options.

The Ukrainian side has long insisted that partners supply Kyiv with modern fighter jets, long-range missiles and air defense systems.

Source: Ukrinform, TASS