British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak today assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a telephone conversation that his country "will continue to strongly support Ukraine in its fight against aggression and occupation during 2024," reports AFP.
Sunak "underlined the UK's efforts to provide military and diplomatic support to Ukraine, particularly through new arms deliveries," a Downing Street statement said.
He also "expressed his condolences to all Ukrainians who were killed and injured during Russian airstrikes over the Christmas period."
Russia launched another mass airstrike in Ukraine this morning, killing at least five civilians and wounding 119 people, mostly in Kiev and Kharkiv, according to Ukrainian authorities who are now asking Western allies for more military aid.
The new Russian strikes came in response to the Ukrainian shelling of Belgorod that killed 25 people, including children.
According to Downing Street, the two leaders also discussed "the latest developments in the conflict, particularly progress in the Black Sea and the success of Ukraine's air defenses, bolstered by UK-supplied surface-to-air missiles."
London announced on Friday that it is sending about 200 anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine to bolster its defenses, while calling on its allies to "redouble their efforts" in military support for Kiev.
British military aid to Ukraine so far amounts to 4,6 billion pounds (5,3 billion euros).
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