Ukraine and Britain discussed weapons, air defense, and sanctions against Russia

President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky met with UK Secretary of State for Defence Wes Streeting in Kyiv, who visited the Ukrainian capital for the first time in his new role. The talks took place on August 5 after another Russian strike on Ukraine.

Zelensky briefed the UK minister on the aftermath of the attack and the country’s current defence needs. According to the president, Russia intends to significantly increase production of ballistic missiles by early winter.

The main topic of the meeting was strengthening the defence of Ukrainian cities and territorial communities against ballistic threats. The parties discussed what assistance the UK can provide to Ukraine bilaterally and jointly with other partners.

Zelensky noted that London had already helped Ukraine obtain scarce air defence equipment. Specific systems or volumes of possible new supplies were not disclosed following the talks.

Separately, the parties examined opportunities for joint production of certain types of armaments. The president stressed that Ukraine and the UK possess defence technologies and production expertise whose effectiveness had been tested in wartime.

In addition, Zelensky and Streeting discussed tightening sanctions against Russian enterprises involved in the production of ballistic missiles. The Russian president said that restrictions should weaken Russia’s ability to escalate missile attacks.

Wes Streeting took office as UK Secretary of State for Defence on 20 July 2026. Relations with Ukraine are among his key areas of responsibility.

Based on materials: Vladimir Zelensky, UK government