King Charles meets Zelenskyy ahead of signing defence deal at Downing Street

The Ukrainian leader is also meeting the Prime Minister at Downing Street to sign a new defence deal.

Number 10 says it will bring together the countries 'expertise' to manufacture and supply drones.

£500,000 will go towards a new AI centre in Kyiv.

The two leaders are also expected to discuss further support for Ukraine against Russia's full-scale invasion, now in its fourth year.

Ukraine has warned the oil price rises caused by the Middle East crisis could result in a "windfall" for Russia's economy.

The rise in energy prices caused by the Middle East turmoil has benefited Vladimir Putin's Russia despite the sanctions imposed to stifle the flow of funds to his forces.

The US temporarily loosened sanctions preventing other countries buying Russian oil and petroleum which was already loaded on vessels at sea to try to ease the pressure on global supplies triggered by the US-Israel strikes on Iran and Tehran's retaliation against Gulf states.

The conflict could also constrain supplies of air defence missiles for Ukraine because of the surge in demand in the Middle East.

Ahead of the meeting, Sir Keir reiterated the UK's support for Kyiv, saying: "Our resolve is unbreakable."

"There's 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," he added.

Zelensky thanked the UK for its backing, saying: "You have stood with us all through this difficult winter."