Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky is visiting the UK to meet Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. In a tweet, he said he would meet his “friend” Mr Sunak to hold “substantive negotiations”, transmits BBC.

The UK announced on Thursday that it would supply Ukraine with the long-range missiles it had requested to fight the Russian invasion.

Mr Zelensky has been meeting Western leaders in recent days seeking to bolster support for Ukraine.

At the meeting, Mr Sunak said the pair would be “discussing what more we can do to support” Mr Zelensky and Ukraine.

The Ukrainian leader is the first foreign dignitary to meet Mr Sunak at Chequers, the prime minister’s official country residence.

Mr Zelensky thanked the UK for the support shown to Ukraine since the invasion, during a short press conference ahead of the meeting.

“We are thankful from all our hearts, from Ukrainians, from our soldiers, we are thankful,” he said.

He added the pair will “discuss urgent support for the Ukraine.”

Those in government have characterised the visit as a courtesy and a catch-up, rather than a negotiation. Though one source added “there’s always business to be done”.

Downing Street said the UK would confirm “hundreds” of air defence missiles and drones to help Ukraine’s defence later today.