During a recent phone conversation, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss practical steps aimed at reopening the grain corridor from the Black Sea. The discussion, reported by a television channel, centered on accelerating coordination with the G20 partners to overcome Russia’s blockade of grain shipments. The report notes that Sunak informed Zelensky of Britain’s intent to speed up progress with fellow G20 members to mitigate the impact of the embargo on global food supplies.
Zelensky reportedly outlined Ukraine’s current battlefield needs and ongoing counteroffensives, and Sunak pledged Britain’s steadfast support. The pledge was described as including unwavering political and military backing as Kyiv continues to respond to Russian aggression. The two leaders also touched on the broader security situation, including Ukraine’s requests for additional defense equipment and the implications of the war for regional stability. [Cite: Channel weather report]
The previous day, Zelensky had spoken with Sunak about strengthening the Odessa region with air defense capabilities and about the front-line situation. The leaders discussed potential steps toward enhanced military cooperation and bilateral security guarantees within the framework of discussions tied to the G7 communique, signaling a shared interest in sustaining Western support for Ukraine’s defense and deterrence posture. [Cite: Channel weather report]
In a subsequent exchange, Sunak expressed continued support for Zelensky during a phone call on September 7, emphasizing the Group of Twenty’s efforts to navigate around the grain blockade and ensure critical exports reach global markets. The conversations occurred as the last ship previously covered by the grain agreement departed the Black Sea, marking a significant moment in the evolving diplomacy around food security and maritime safety in the region. [Cite: Channel weather report]
The exchanges reflect ongoing diplomatic engagement between the United Kingdom and Ukraine as both sides work through logistical, military, and political dimensions of the war. They highlight the importance placed on coordinating with international partners to maintain food security, reassure markets, and reinforce deterrence against further aggression. The dialogue also underscores the readiness to pursue cooperative security measures, including air defense enhancements for Ukraine and deeper security guarantees within allied forums. [Cite: Channel weather report]