Volodymr Zelensky has accused Britain of ‘slowing down’ support for Ukraine as he demanded the removal of ‘barriers’ in his country’s fight against Russia.
The Ukrainian President stepped up his campaign for the easing of restrictions on using the UK’s powerful Storm Shadow missiles, which have a range of about 155 miles.
Mr Zelensky has this month overseen a Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, which he said is aimed at creating a buffer zone to prevent further cross-border attacks by Moscow.
Britain has given the green light for UK-donated weapons to be used on Russian soil as part of Ukraine’s self-defence.
The only exception is Storm Shadow missiles, which remain off limits beyond Ukraine’s borders, but Mr Zelensky said ‘long-range capabilities’ were ‘vital’.
His team has claimed Britain loosening restrictions on the use of the weapons could ‘turn the tide of the war’.
Volodymr Zelensky has accused Britain of ‘slowing down’ support for Ukraine as he demanded the removal of ‘barriers’ in his country’s fight against Russia
The Ukrainian President stepped up his campaign for the removal of restrictions on using the UK’s powerful Storm Shadow missiles, which have a range of about 155 miles
A Ukrainian soldier shoots a Browning machine gun mounted to a Humvee military vehicle during an exercise in the Sumy region near the Russian border
In a post to X, formerly Twitter, Mr Zelesnky said: ‘We are doing everything possible to provide our warriors with the necessary weapons and reinforcements.
‘It is crucial that our partners remove barriers that hinder us from weakening Russian positions in the way this war demands.
‘Long-range capabilities are the answer to the most critical strategic questions of this war.
‘The bravery of our soldiers and the resilience of our combat brigades compensate for the lack of essential decisions from our partners.
‘We could decisively deprive the occupiers of any ability to advance and cause destruction if our long-range capabilities were sufficient.’
He added: ‘Throughout this war, we’ve seen the UK demonstrate true leadership — in arms, politics, and support for Ukrainian society.
‘This has saved thousands of lives, reflecting the strength of the UK. Unfortunately, the situation has slowed down recently.
‘We will discuss how to fix this because long-range capabilities are vital for us. The whole world sees how effective Ukrainians are — how our entire nation defends its independence.’
Ex-Tory MP Grant Shapps, the former defence secretary, demanded that Sir Keir ‘urgently reassures’ Mr Zelensky of Britain’s support for Ukraine.
He posted on X: ‘Starmer’s government needs to avoid any impression they are not providing full-throated support for Ukraine.
‘It’s important Starmer urgently reassures President Zelenskyy (with deeds and words) that the UK remains unwavering in our support.’
A Government spokesperson said PM Sir Keir Starmer maintains ‘unwavering’ support for Ukraine, adding that the position has not changed since Ukraine’s incursion into Russia.
They said: ‘That is why he committed to £3billion a year of support to Ukraine, for as long as it takes, within his first week in office.
‘Further lethal aid was also accelerated to Kyiv within hours of this Government being elected, bolstering the £12 billion of UK support already pledged, and ensuring the vital military equipment reaches Ukrainian soldiers on the front line.’
Ukrainian forces have been engaged in a military incursion into Russia’s Kursk region since August 6.
The UK has pledged £12.5billion in support to Ukraine since February 2022, of which £7.6billion is for military assistance. This includes £3billion for military assistance in 2024/25.
The new package of lethal aid for Ukraine includes a quarter of a million of 50-calibre ammunition, 90 anti-armour Brimstone missiles, 50 small military boats, 40 de-mining vehicles, and 10 AS-90 artillery guns.
Ukrainian forces have also received 61 bulldozers and support for previously gifted AS-90s, from the UK.