KYIV, Nov 16 (Portal) – British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, on his first trip abroad in his new role, met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev and also traveled to the southern port city of Odessa, a regular target of Russian airstrikes.
Cameron, a former British prime minister who was named foreign secretary on Monday, stressed London’s continued support for Ukraine, which is now in its 21st month of war with Russia with no end in sight.
“What I want to say by being here is that we will continue to give you the moral support, the diplomatic support… but above all the military support that you need, not just this year and next year, but however long it takes,” Cameron said in a video Zelenskiy’s office released Thursday.
Zelensky thanked Cameron for his visit, which comes amid a conflict in the Middle East that the Ukrainian leader said had diverted global attention from his country.
“The world is not focusing so much on the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine, and this division of focus really doesn’t help,” Zelenskiy said.
The support comes as Ukraine is watching closely for signs that the West’s vital military and financial support for Kiev is waning after its much-touted counteroffensive against Russian forces failed to produce a major breakthrough.
Cameron also held talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on the social media platform
SHIPPING CORRIDOR
[1/6]British Foreign Secretary David Cameron attends a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as Russia’s attack on Ukraine takes place in Kiev, Ukraine. This handout image was published on November 16, 2023. Ukrainian Press Service/Presidential Handout via Portal acquires license rights
Ukraine has been trying to create a shipping corridor for its sea exports after Russia pulled out of a United Nations-brokered deal in July that had allowed some food exports to flow despite the war.
On Thursday, the second day of his visit to Ukraine, Cameron traveled to Odessa, the country’s largest Black Sea port.
“Over the last three months they (Ukraine’s armed forces) have pushed back Russia in the Black Sea and are opening important maritime trade routes for the Ukrainian economy and global food supplies,” Cameron said.
Insurance broker Marsh, insurers Lloyd’s of London and Ukrainian state banks have launched a facility to reduce claims costs for damage to ships and crew transporting grain through the Black Sea corridor.
“This step will be of great importance for Ukraine’s export profits and economic recovery,” Cameron was quoted as saying by the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry.
Since the corridor opened in August, Ukraine has been able to export 4 million tons of cargo, Zelenskiy said earlier.
Cameron also announced financial support for communities directly affected by the Russian invasion and for volunteer organizations working in Ukraine.
Britain was a close ally of Ukraine during the all-out war launched by Russia in February 2022.
Reporting by Dan Peleschuk and Olena Harmash, Kylie MacLellan and Muvija M; Writing by Tom Balmforth; Editing by Gareth Jones
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