Volodymyr Zelensky asked Sir Keir Starmer to “show your leadership” as he appealed for permission to strike Russian targets with Western weapons in a historic address to the UK Cabinet.
The Ukrainian president urged the British Government to help with Kyiv’s “long-range capability” as he became the first foreign leader to address the meeting of senior UK ministers in person since 1997.
“We are still missing the main answer to this question,” Mr Zelensky told the meeting on Friday morning.
Ukraine has said lifting restrictions on western resources – including British Storm Shadow missiles – to strike into Russian territory is key to strengthening its defence and securing its frontline position in the war.
The UK Government had signalled that it was ultimately a matter for Kyiv how it chooses to deploy weapons, as long as international law is upheld.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer greeted Mr Zelensky with a warm hug and handshake outside Number 10 on Friday before sitting down for bilateral talks and hosting him at a historic Cabinet session later in the morning.
The Ukrainian President became the first foreign leader to address the meeting of senior UK ministers since then-US president Bill Clinton in 1997.
The Prime Minister said the visit was “a very special moment” and showed “the esteem you’re held in… in this country and around the world”, as he promised Britain’s “unshakeable” support for Kyiv.
“It’s a very special moment for us to reiterate our support for you and the Ukrainian people in the fight against Russian aggression and to have this opportunity to confirm again our resolve to stand with you, so thank you so much for accepting the invitation,” Sir Keir said.
“This is a very, very important meeting for us and you’re very welcome here.
“It is a real pleasure and a privilege to be able to welcome you to Downing Street this morning. This is a real piece of history.”
Mr Zelensky thanked the Prime Minister for his and the UK’s support and said it was felt by Ukrainians across the country.
“I hope we will now work even more actively,” he said. “The faster you act, the more you will achieve.”