Why Zelenskyy visited the U.K. nearly 1 year into Russia's war on Ukraine
NPRWhy Zelenskyy visited the U.K. nearly 1 year into Russia's war on Ukraine Enlarge this image toggle caption Andrew Matthews/Pool via AP Andrew Matthews/Pool via AP LONDON — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made a surprise visit to the United Kingdom, one of his very rare trips outside Ukraine since Russia invaded the country nearly one year ago. Here's why Zelenskyy made this rare visit to the U.K. Ukraine's second-biggest backer Enlarge this image toggle caption Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Dan Kitwood/Getty Images After the United States, the U.K. is Ukraine's second-largest donor: It has committed more than $2.7 billion worth of military assistance to Ukraine since February 2022 and pledges to match that this year, according to the British Parliament. Sponsor Message Britain promised warplane training, but so far no jets Enlarge this image toggle caption Stefan Rousseau/Pool/AFP via Getty Images Stefan Rousseau/Pool/AFP via Getty Images Zelenskyy continued a tactic he has used with other countries, like the U.S. in December, seeking approval from lawmakers, who decide on defense spending. Maintaining public support Enlarge this image toggle caption Stefan Rousseau/Pool/AFP via Getty Images Stefan Rousseau/Pool/AFP via Getty Images The image of this wartime president, dressed in his usual army green sweatshirt, amid the costumes and ceremonial robes of Britain's centuries-old Parliament will serve as a reminder to the British public of Ukraine's military needs.