Downing Street denies Rishi Sunak is preparing to 'dilute' his support for Ukraine

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Downing Street has dismissed suggestions that Rishi Sunak is preparing to tone down British support for Ukraine as "categorically false".

The Prime Minister is in Riga to meet other Western leaders to discuss the war-torn country.

But reports that he has asked for an assessment of the progress of the war and how British military supplies are being used raise fears the Tory leader is taking an overly cautious approach.

Its official spokesperson said: “To be sure, any suggestion of watered down support for Ukraine is categorically false.

“I'll tell you what he just said this morning… He has defined three priorities. His first was to ensure that we provide more military aid and that military aid evolves to respond to the situation we are currently facing.

"The United Kingdom and this Prime Minister have always supported President Zelensky and the people of Ukraine and will continue to do so."

During the trip, Sunak told his fellow leaders that there could be no peace talks with Russia until it withdrew from conquered parts of Ukraine.

He also urged them to increase the supply of air defense systems to the nation.

The Prime Minister said this was an "incredibly important" time for the Force Joint Expeditionary (JEF) to reaffirm its continued support for Kyiv, as Russian President Vladimir Putin escalates the conflict.

Addressing the rally via video link, President Zelensky said, "I ask you to do everything to hasten the defeat of the occupiers.

"One hundred percent air shield cent for Ukraine, it would be one of the most successful steps against Russian aggression and this step is needed now."

The UK has announced it will send Ukraine a new supply of hundreds of thousands of artillery ammunition.

After the meeting, Mr. Sunak will meet Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins for individual talks.

He will then visit in Estonia, which shares a 182-mile border with Russia, where he will meet British and NATO troops serving on the alliance's eastern flank.