Zelensky pushing for West to destroy Russian planes as Nato expects US to co-operate over Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks to the Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg
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President Zelensky has called on the West to show "bravery" and destroy Russian drones, missiles and planes.
It comes as Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says he expects the US to continue its support of the organisation regardless of who wins the upcoming election.
Speaking at the European Political Community Summit in Blenheim Palace, the Ukranian President warned European leaders that Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin will attempt to “blackmail” them.
He also cited former Blenheim Palace resident Winston Churchill, and "his ability to be a steadfast barrier between history and cowardice."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks to the Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg
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President Zelensky meets King Charles
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He said: "Military airfields from which Russian jets take off with bombs against our cities, our people, our children and the launch sites of Russian missiles – all these must be destroyed. This will not only eliminate some targets but will also reduce Russia capability to continue this war.
"The missiles and drones are not “bearers of state sovereignty”, so there must be a collective will, collective will to shoot them down – just as it was with Iranian missiles and drones.
"I appeal to all of you, to all leaders who can contribute to the required bravery. These steps must be taken.
"And I address primarily the United States, the UK, France, Germany, and Poland and other friends – your bravery can be decisive for peace."
LATEST FROM THE EPC SUMMIT AT BLENHEIM PALACE
Ukrainian President Zelensky shakes hands with Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer
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Meanwhile, Secretary-General Stoltenberg was asked about comments made by Donald Trump's running mate, JD Vance, who recently told a podcast he "doesn’t really care what happens in Ukraine, one way or the other."
He told the BBC: "We need to relate to those who are in charge, whoever that may be... I expect them to continue to be support of Ukraine."
Stoltenberg added: "Nato has been able to keep us secure for 75 years... but the main point of Nato is to prevent war and pursue peace.
"The way we do that is to make sure there is no room for any misunderstanding in places like Moscow and Beijing."
Stoltenberg's decade in charge at Nato will end later this year
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Stoltenberg backed the Ukranian President's forces using Nato-supplied weapons to strike targets in Russia.
He said: "According to international law, Ukraine has the right to self defence. And the right to self defence includes also striking military targets on the territory of Russia."
Mr Stoltenberg’s decade in charge at Nato will end later this year, with former Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte taking over on October 1.