Volodymyr Zelensky returns to Ukraine after drumming up European support

Ukraine is gearing up to launch a counter-offensive against Russian forces

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has returned home after a whirlwind tour of Europe, drumming up support for his war-torn nation.

Zelensky visited Italy, France, Germany and the U.K., securing weapons and defence aid packages worth billions of dollars.

Britain will send hundreds of air defence missiles and armed drones to Ukraine on top of the Storm Shadow cruise missiles, which were announced last week.

On Monday, the Ukrainian president spoke with the U.K.’s Rishi Sunak at Chequers, near London.

During the meeting, Zelensky said it is as important for the West to send fighter jets as well as other defence systems.

The prime minister believes providing fighter jets is “not a straightforward thing”, but notes Britain will form “a key part of the coalition countries” providing that support.

Ukraine is gearing up to launch a counter-offensive against Russian forces.

Zelensky warned last week his nation will need much more weaponry before it can launch such an attack.

He also says Ukraine and the U.K. are “real partners”, with the meeting described as “warm and collegiate”.

“We are returning home with new defence packages. More new and powerful weapons for the frontline, more protection for our people from Russia,” Zelensky said.

“At all the meetings we discussed our Peace Formula, and now there is more willingness of our partners to follow the Ukraine formula.

“There is more support for our accession to the E.U., more understanding that Ukraine’s accession to NATO is inevitable.

“So, the main results of these days are: new weapons for Ukraine, respect for Ukrainians, and our victory has been brought closer.”