UKRAINIAN president Volodymyr Zelensky visited Dorset on Wednesday during an historic visit to the UK.

The trip saw Mr Zelensky, along with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, meet Ukrainian troops being trained by the British Army at Lulworth Camp.

Here’s everything you need to know about what happened.

Bournemouth Echo:

Why was it an historic trip?

It was the first time the Ukrainian president had visited the UK since the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022.

It is only his second trip abroad since Moscow’s forces launched their full-scale invasion.

Bournemouth Echo:

How did the leaders get there?

The two leaders arrived by Chinook helicopter.

Was the visit planned?

The surprise visit was kept under wraps with one staff member at Lulworth Camp telling the Daily Echo they were only aware it was happening on Wednesday morning.

Bournemouth Echo:

Why did Mr Zelensky visit Lulworth Camp?

Mr Zelensky visited Lulworth Camp to meet Ukrainian soldiers being trained by the British Army to use Challenger 2 tanks.

Approximately 80 Ukrainians are being trained in Lulworth to fight against Russia.

Challenger 2 is used by four armoured regiments based in the south west of England including in Bovington.

The tank training involves nine instructors from the Royal Tank Regiment and Queen’s Royal Hussars of the Royal Armoured Corps which is based at Tidworth, Wiltshire.

The Ukrainian soldiers are being trained on four to five tanks as well as simulators.

After the Ukrainian president presented medals to several of the soldiers, he and Mr Sunak were shown a Challenger 2 simulator.

Mr Sunak asked the Ukrainian soldiers about the simulator: “Is it similar to what you have been used to?”

One of the soldiers replied “it’s quite different” and Mr Zelensky said: “Yes, it’s new.”

Bournemouth Echo:

What else do we know about the Challenger 2?

The MBT Challenger 2 is the British Army’s main battle tank and is designed to destroy other tanks.

It has been used by the Army on operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Iraq.

Built in the UK by Vickers Defence Systems, now BAE Systems and Land Armaments, it was designed as a replacement to the Challenger 1 tank in 1986 and has been in service with the British Army since July 1994.

Each of the Queen’s Royal Hussars, The King’s Royal Hussars, The Royal Tank Regiment and The Royal Wessex Yeomanry operates 56 Challenger 2 tanks and a similar number of supporting vehicles in tasks such as reconnaissance and ammunition supply.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the UK’s Challenger 2 tanks would be in operation in Ukraine by “next month”.

Bournemouth Echo:

What else happened during the visit to Lulworth?

The two leaders signed a declaration of unity, stating how London and Kyiv were “confident, that together with our allies and partners, we will defeat Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion”.

They also held a press conference where Mr Sunak said “nothing is off the table” when it comes to the question of providing fighter aircraft to Ukraine.

Mr Zelensky said Kyiv’s relations with the UK have reached a “new level”.

“It is very clear that we are standing together with Great Britain.

“This is truly a new level of our relations.

“My deep gratitude to Rishi and all of Great Britain for your readiness and willingness to work with us in executing the Ukrainian peace formula.”

What happened earlier in the day?

Starting his surprise trip in London on Wednesday, Mr Zelensky used a rousing speech to Parliament to urge the UK and Western allies to provide “wings for freedom”.

Mr Zelensky’s trip to the UK also included talks with Mr Sunak in Downing Street and a meeting with the King at Buckingham Palace.

What happens next?

The Ukrainian President will join an EU summit in Brussels on Thursday to continue his push for more advanced weapons.