Volodymyr Zelensky asked Prime Minister Keir Starmer to "demonstrate leadership" and in a historic address to the British cabinet appealed to Ukraine to be allowed to strike Russian targets with Western weapons, reported PA Media/DPA, writes BTA.
The Ukrainian president called on the British government to help Kiev with "long-range capabilities" and became the first foreign leader since 1997 to address a live meeting of the UK government.
"We still lack the main answer to this question," Zelensky said at the meeting this morning. "I am asking you to show leadership on this topic and convince other partners to lift the restrictions," he added.
According to Ukraine, the lifting of restrictions on the use of Western weapons, including British missiles "Storm Shadow" (Storm Shadow), to strike deep into Russian territory, is key to strengthening its defenses and securing the front line, DPA points out.
The British government has avoided explicitly backing such a move, saying only that it is up to Kiev how it disposes of its resources, as long as it respects international law.
After Zelensky's visit, Starmer's office said that "there is no change in our positions" about weapons.
"We are providing military assistance to support Ukraine's clear right of self-defense against Russia's illegal actions and in accordance with international humanitarian law. The equipment provided by the United Kingdom is intended for the defense of Ukraine, a spokeswoman said.
"We provide weapons to Ukraine to defend its sovereign state. And this does not exclude the possibility that they hit targets in Russia. But it must be done by the Ukrainians, it must be done within and within the limits of international humanitarian law," British Defense Secretary John Healey said earlier.
Starmer welcomed Zelensky with a warm hug and handshake outside the Prime Minister's residence on "Downing Street" number 10, after which the two held bilateral talks and then took part in a historic cabinet meeting later in the morning.
The British Prime Minister said the visit was "a very special moment" and demonstrates the respect Zelensky enjoys "in this country and around the world". He promised that Britain's support for Kiev would remain "unwavering".
Zelensky thanked Starmer and Britain for their support and said it was being felt by Ukrainians across the country.
"I hope that now we will work even more actively," he said. "The faster you act, the more you will achieve," added Zelensky.
The President's visit to "Downing Street" followed yesterday's summit of the European Political Community (EPC) at Blenheim Palace, near Oxford.