Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during his address to the UK Cabinet and its leader Keir Starmer, asked to demonstrate leadership in Ukraine's "long-range capability," The Guardian reports.

In his address to the cabinet Zelenskyy said "if the restriction on western weapons is lifted" it would help Kyiv to strengthen its defence and secure its frontline positions. He said "it is possible to destroy" areas in Russia where weapons are being concentrated.

On long-range capability, the president said "we are still missing the main answer to this question" and told the prime minister "I ask you to show your leadership" on the issue.

Zelenskyy has said the ability to use western weapons to strike into Russian territory is important to Ukraine's efforts to defend itself against Moscow.

The UK government has suggested the deployment of British missiles is ultimately a matter for Ukraine, as long as international law is upheld.