Zelensky to visit UK ahead of Nato summit as Russian bombardment continues
Volodymyr Zelensky will visit the UK on Monday as Russia continues to bombard Ukraine.
The Ukrainian president said he expected to discuss his country's defences and new ways to increase pressure on Russia ahead of a Nato summit that starts on Tuesday.
His arrival in the UK follows reports that Russia fired 352 drones and 16 missiles at Ukraine overnight, killing at least 10 civilians including seven in Kyiv.
Mr Zelensky said preliminary reports indicated Russia had used North Korean missiles to attack Kyiv and described those two countries, and Iran, as a 'coalition of murderers'.
His visit to London comes the day before Nato leaders are set to meet in The Hague for a two-day summit, with increased defence spending top of the agenda.
Mr Zelensky has been invited to the summit but will not take part in its main discussions, and it is still unclear whether he will attend at all.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
30 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Zelensky welcomed to No 10 for meeting with Starmer ahead of Nato summit
Volodymyr Zelensky has met Sir Keir Starmer and the King during his visit to the UK ahead of a crunch Nato summit. The Ukrainian president arrived in Downing Street where he was expected to discuss Britain's ongoing support for his war-torn nation on Monday afternoon, after being welcomed to Windsor Castle for lunch with Charles. Mr Zelensky, who is usually seen wearing military fatigues, wore a black blazer and trousers throughout his Monday visits. He and Sir Keir embraced on the doorstep of No 10, where a red carpet had been rolled out for the Ukrainian leader. Charles and Mr Zelensky were earlier pictured chatting as they made their way through Windsor Castle, and smiling as they shook hands in the Grand Corridor. During his visit to London, the Ukrainian leader was also welcomed to the Palace of Westminster and met Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle and his Lords counterpart, Lord McFall of Alcluith. His arrival in the UK follows reports that Russia fired 352 drones and 16 missiles at Ukraine overnight, killing at least 10 civilians including seven in Kyiv. Mr Zelensky said preliminary reports indicated Russia had used North Korean missiles to attack Kyiv and described those two countries, and Iran, as a 'coalition of murderers'. His visit to London takes place the day before Nato leaders are set to meet in The Hague for a two-day summit, with increased defence spending top of the agenda. Mr Zelensky has been invited to the summit but will not take part in its main discussions, and it is still unclear whether he will attend at all. Ahead of the visit, a Downing Street spokesman said Sir Keir would 'reiterate our steadfast support for Ukraine' during his meeting with Mr Zelensky.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Esther Rantzen speaks of ‘enormous relief' after MPs backed assisted dying Bill
Dame Esther Rantzen has said she felt 'enormous relief' at MPs approving the assisted dying Bill. Appearing on ITV1's Loose Women, Dame Esther, who has terminal cancer, said she had not expected to reach her 85th birthday yesterday (Sunday) when she was diagnosed. 'Who knew I'd be 85, heavens,' she said. On the topic of assisted dying, for which she has been one of the most high-profile campaigners, she said: 'It's not a question of shortening your life, it's a question of shortening your death and we've always thought that was very important for people… to have that choice.' She said she had not yet been given a six-month deadline for her own cancer and is due to have more chemotherapy this week. Discussing safeguarding concerns, Dame Esther said: 'The difference is that decisions are being made by the patient and I think some people do find that difficult. 'Some of my closest relatives and best friends are psychiatrists, but I'm not sure psychiatrists are always happy to give control back to the patient, but that's what we're asking for.' She said of her own illness: 'One of the things about cancer, which I think people don't realise – I didn't realise – it can create fatigue which means you can't do the things you would like to do.' Referencing not being able to join the panel in the studio, she added: 'Like for example, join Loose Women. I mean, I like being loose!' Last week, Dame Esther urged members of the House of Lords not to block legislation on the issue. The Terminally Ill Adults (End Of Life) Bill cleared the Commons with a majority of 23 votes on Friday, but opponents have vowed to continue their resistance in the unelected chamber. The legislation could face a difficult passage through the Lords, with critics poised to table amendments to add further restrictions and safeguards to the Bill. Last week, Dame Esther told BBC Radio 4's Today: 'People who are adamantly opposed to this Bill, and they have a perfect right to oppose it, will try and stop it going through the Lords, but the Lords themselves, their duty is to make sure that law is actually created by the elected chamber, which is the House of Commons, who have voted this through.' She said the legislation would probably not become law in time for her to use it and she would have to end her life at the Dignitas clinic in Switzerland, which she signed up to following her diagnosis.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Swinney ‘concerned' about UK being drawn into Middle East conflict
John Swinney has said he is 'concerned' the UK could be drawn into the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Tensions escalated further over the weekend as the US struck three of Iran's nuclear sites and President Donald Trump floated the idea of 'regime change' in the country following strikes between it and Israel. While Downing Street said on Monday the focus would be on 'diplomacy', a spokesman for Number 10 said preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon was a 'good thing'. Speaking during a visit to a school in the Springburn area of Glasgow on Monday, John Swinney urged the international community to work to find a resolution. 'I share the concerns of Scots about the events in Iran over the weekend,' he said. 'To wake up to what we woke up to yesterday morning is very, very frightening and alarming and I don't think any of us should underestimate the significance and the severity of the situation that we face.' He added: 'That's why I have made a strong plea for every resource of the international community to be deployed to de-escalate the situation and to get the world to step back from the brink.' Mr Swinney went on to encourage the UK Government to 'put all of their weight' behind diplomatic efforts to stem the conflict. Asked if he was concerned about British involvement in the conflict, he said: 'There's obviously the potential for this to have very wide-ranging implications and they could involve the United Kingdom. 'So of course I'm concerned about that point. 'I think we need to step back, to find a negotiated settlement to the issues that have been raised and to avoid any further escalation, which will simply increase the severity and the significance of the dangers that we all face.'