Britain's Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, on Tuesday (March 17) told Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, that

'focus must remain on Ukraine' despite the conflict in the Middle East.

Starmer made the comments at the top of a meeting at Downing Street in London, where they will agree on a new military-industrial partnership aimed at boosting the supply of drones and ensuring AI is used effectively on the battlefield, a statement from Downing Street said.

Ukraine's drone expertise would be combined with Britain's manufacturing base to boost the supply of drones, the statement said.

Britain has been one of Ukraine's biggest supporters since the Russian invasion in 2022, consistently advocating for Zelenskiy as well as providing military equipment and munitions.

(Production: Natasha Montague)

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

LONDON, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM (MARCH 17, 2026) (UK POOL - Broadcast: No use UK. Digital: No use UK, except UK newspapers.)

1. BRTAIN'S PRIME MINISTER, KEIR STARMER, AND UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT, VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY ENTERING ROOM AND SHAKING HANDS AND SITTING DOWN

2. (SOUNDBITE) (English) BRTAIN'S PRIME MINISTER, KEIR STARMER, SAYING (SOUNDBITE STARTS ON ZELENSKIY):

"I think today, obviously, we've got a lot to discuss. I think it's really important that we're clear that the focus must remain on Ukraine. There is obviously a conflict in Iran going on in the Middle East, but we can't lose focus on what's going on in Ukraine and the need for our support there. And secondly it's really important that we're clear and consistent that Putin can't be the one who benefits from the conflict in Iran, whether that's oil prices or the dropping of sanctions."

3. UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT, VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY, SAYING:

" Thanks for your support, for your personal efforts to help us. And thanks to the UK who stood with us through this so difficult winter. We really had a very difficult winter. God bless it is in the past, but we can't just see. We have to move very quickly. And of course, I want to discuss about energy security. I want to discuss this topic with you."

4. WHITE FLASH

5. (SOUNDBITE) (English) UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT, VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY, SAYING:

"Also, not to forget about our diplomatic efforts and negotiations and where we are with the Americans and with Russia as we have to discuss these sensitive topics. Yes, and of course, about Middle East, you mentioned it has big influence, I think, on Ukraine and on you. So thank you again for your support and thanks to your people."