UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer warmly welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to London on Saturday, reaffirming Britain’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. The meeting came just a day after Zelensky’s tense encounter with US President Donald Trump.
Ahead of a high-stakes summit in London to discuss European security and aid for Ukraine, Starmer emphasized the need for unity among allies. He stressed that efforts must be intensified to secure long-term security guarantees for Kyiv, in partnership with European nations and the United States.
As part of the UK’s ongoing support, London and Kyiv announced a £2.26 billion ($2.84 billion) loan agreement to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities, funded by profits from frozen Russian sovereign assets. Zelensky hailed the agreement as an act of “true justice,” emphasizing that Russia should bear the financial burden of the war it started.
During Zelensky’s visit to Downing Street, he expressed gratitude for Britain’s steadfast support since the war’s outbreak. The leaders met privately for 75 minutes before Zelensky departed, with plans to meet King Charles III the following day.
Meanwhile, Zelensky’s diplomatic tensions with Trump have raised concerns among European allies. Trump, during a heated Oval Office exchange, accused Zelensky of not being “ready” for peace and suggested that US support could be withdrawn if Ukraine did not accept proposed truce terms. The confrontation sent shockwaves across Europe, with leaders like German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warning of a “new age of infamy.”
Despite the friction, Zelensky underscored the importance of maintaining Trump’s support, stating that no one desires peace more than Ukraine. His trip to London included emergency talks with European leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, to strategize future military and financial assistance.
The escalating uncertainty over US involvement has prompted European leaders to reassess their defense policies. French President Emmanuel Macron has suggested discussions on a potential European nuclear deterrent, while Germany’s likely next leader, Friedrich Merz, stressed the need for Europe to achieve defense independence from Washington.
However, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a close ally of Trump and Russia, opposed an EU-wide agreement on the Ukraine conflict, advocating for direct negotiations with Moscow instead.
As European nations navigate shifting alliances and evolving security challenges, Starmer’s commitment to Ukraine underscores the UK’s role as a key ally in Kyiv’s fight against Russian aggression.
