London [UK], June 20: Ukraine's counteroffensive against the Russian invasion is clearly making "good progress," British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told Ukrainian President VolodymyrZelensky.
The two leaders spoke on Monday morning as Kyiv's troops - backed with Western military equipment from Britain, the United States and allies - are seeking to retake territory occupied by Russian President Vladimir Putin's forces.
The prime minister said the UK is firmly behind Ukraine and "small steps forward will bring success."
The Ukrainian president said the pair discussed his country's need for long-range weapons and pushed for tougher sanctions on Russia. Sunak and Zelensky are both expected to address a conference in London later this week.
Following the call on Monday, a Sunak spokesman said: "The prime minister paid tribute to the bravery of the Ukrainian soldiers on the front line of the counteroffensive and said it was clear they were making good progress.
"He told President Zelensky that the UK was firmly behind Ukraine as it continued to push back invading Russian forces.
"Small steps forward would bring success, the prime minister added." Sunak, who visited Washington earlier this month for talks with US President Joe Biden, said the UK and US are "lockstep in their unwavering support for Ukraine."
Both Sunak and Zelensky are expected to address the Ukraine Recovery Conference hosted by the UK this week.
Downing Street said the two leaders agreed it is "a unique opportunity to underline the strong public and private sector support for Ukraine, and demonstrate the country's transformation and ongoing reform."
Source: Qatar Tribune