Volodymyr Zelensky is urging Rishi Sunak to stay strong in support of Ukraine amid reports he has ordered a review on the progress of the war. 

Mr Sunak’s request for a progress report, as reported by the BBC, has left Whitehall sources concerned the government could be primed to take a more cautious approach as the war intensifies.

"President Zelensky has sensed what is going on," a Whitehall source told the BBC.

"So he has been talking to Rishi. He is trying to inspire him, saying the UK are the great liberators, the great fighters. We need you. Rise to that."

The source said the audit is designed to look at how the war is progressing and the UK’s contribution to Ukraine.

However, they dismissed it as akin to "Goldman Sachs dashboard" - out of touch with how wars are fought.

A Downing Street responded to the claims by saying that Mr Sunak was not being overly cautious and that "the UK government's support for Ukraine is unwavering".