Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in London with a new message for Western allies: Ukraine is no longer just a frontline victim of war — it is becoming a provider of modern battlefield expertise. During meetings in Westminster, the Ukrainian president displayed real-time combat feeds on an iPad showing how Kyiv’s forces intercept the vast majority of incoming missiles and drones launched by Russia. According to Zelensky, Ukraine’s air defence network now shoots down between 87% and 90% of aerial attacks using a mix of Western systems and rapidly evolving domestic drone technology. His pitch to allies was blunt: Ukraine’s wartime innovation can strengthen the security of Europe and the Middle East — if the West continues backing Kyiv. Ukraine exports battlefield expertise Ukrainian drone specialists are already being deployed abroad to help allies counter missile and drone threats linked to Iran and its regional proxies. Officials say 201 Ukrainian experts are now working in Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, with more teams heading to Kuwait. Zelensky framed the deployments as proof that Ukraine’s battlefield experience has global value. He also praised the UK’s long-term support, including a landmark 100-year security cooperation pact signed with United Kingdom. During his visit he met King Charles III and received a standing ovation in Parliament as he warned that modern warfare is evolving rapidly — and that distance alone no longer guarantees safety. Trump widens rift with allies While Zelensky was strengthening alliances in London, Donald Trump used remarks in Washington to criticise European partners and UK prime minister Keir Starmer for refusing to join the US-Israeli war against Iran. Trump also accused BBC of manipulating footage from the January 6 attack on the US Capitol — a claim the broadcaster denies. The contrast between the two leaders could hardly be sharper. Zelensky arrived offering technology, intelligence and partnerships forged in war. Trump, meanwhile, continues to pressure NATO allies even as they hedge against deeper involvement in another widening conflict. As Trump sneers, Zelensky builds alliances and offers modern warfare
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