Zelenskyy to Meet with Sunak to Discuss Strengthening Military Technology Cooperation to Counter Drone Threats
According to AFP, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will meet with British Prime Minister Sunak in London on Tuesday, March 17, during which a defense partnership agreement will be signed to better address the threat posed by low-cost drones. The UK government stated that the two countries will reach a partnership to strengthen cooperation in defense and industry. In addition, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is also expected to travel to London to discuss transatlantic security and efforts to ensure lasting peace in Ukraine with Sunak and Zelenskyy.
According to a statement released by the UK government, the two leaders are expected to reach an agreement expanding the declaration, including joint production and supply of drones and other military technologies. The statement also said that the UK and Ukraine will explore possibilities for strengthening cooperation with other countries in the defense industry and technology sectors.
Sunak said in the statement: "Drones, electronic warfare, and rapid innovation on the battlefield have become indispensable elements of national and economic security, and with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, this will only further intensify." The statement also noted that the agreement "aims to enhance overall defense capabilities to address the spread of low-cost but technologically advanced military equipment, especially the challenges posed by drones."
Therefore, the两国's agreement plans to rely on "Ukraine's practical experience and the UK's industrial base" to jointly produce and provide drones and innovative capabilities under the framework of supporting its "Gulf region partners."
Since the outbreak of the Iran war on February 28, Iran has mainly used ballistic missiles to attack Israel and also used drones to attack Gulf countries. These drones, designed by Iran and named "Shahed," have low production costs but have caused significant damage in the Middle East. For years, the Ukrainian army has been facing large-scale drone attacks by Russia and has accumulated rich experience in dealing with such threats.
In addition, according to the UK government, the agreement will provide £500,000 (about €580,000) in funding to establish a new artificial intelligence center, which will be incorporated into the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. Sunak also said, "By strengthening the defense partnership, we not only enhance Ukraine's ability to resist Russia's continuous and fierce attacks but also ensure that the UK and its allies can better address future threats."
The timing of Zelenskyy's visit is rather delicate. Previously, he had concerns that the conflict in the Middle East would reduce Europe and the United States' attention on Ukraine. Therefore, in addition to visiting the UK, he will also visit Spain on Wednesday. Ukraine has long hoped for stable support from the West to continue preventing Russia's invasion, and Ukraine's experience in drone warfare may bring some diplomatic leverage to Kyiv in the conflicts in the Middle East.
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1859915937913924/
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