British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Tuesday that international attention must stay on Ukraine despite the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran.

"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," Starmer said as he welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his residence and office, 10 Downing Street, in London.

Zelenskyy briefed Starmer on the latest developments inRussia's war in Ukraine, energy security, and ongoing diplomatic efforts with the United States and Russia.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also joined the meeting and had separate discussions with Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy announces major boost in Ukraine's drone production
Addressing lawmakers at the British Parliament after his meeting with Starmer, Zelenskyy said Ukraine can produce about 2,000 interceptor drones a day and can provide half that number to allies.

He also said Kyiv has already deployed more than 200 Ukrainian air‑defense specialists to the Middle East.

"These are military experts, experts who know how to help, how to defend against Shahed drones. Our teams are already in the Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and on the way to Kuwait," he said.

The Ukrainian leader added that Kyiv is developing underwater and ocean‑capable drones.

New UK-Ukraine defense partnership
Downing Street also announced plans for a new UK-Ukraine defense and industrial partnership focused on the joint production and supply of drones and other military technologies.

As part of the agreement, the UK will put 500,000 pounds (€579,000 or $667,500) toward a new "AI center of excellence" in Kyiv. The center will comprise experts working to determine how the technology can best be used for a "battlefield advantage," No. 10 said.

"By deepening our defense partnerships, we are strengthening Ukraine's ability to defend itself from Russia's brutal, ongoing attacks, while ensuring the UK and our allies are better prepared to meet the threats of the future," Starmer said.

Zelenskyy's stop in London precedes a visit to Spain as European allies continue to promise unwavering support for Ukraine.