British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warmly welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday, offering a strong show of solidarity just one day after Zelenskyy’s explosive clash with President Donald Trump at the White House.
Zelenskyy arrived at 10 Downing Street to cheers from supporters, where Starmer greeted him with a hug and assured him of the UK’s steadfast commitment.
“You have full backing across the United Kingdom,” Starmer told the Ukrainian leader. “We stand with you, with Ukraine, for as long as it may take.”
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the UK’s ongoing support and friendship in Ukraine’s fight against Russia.
The meeting followed a diplomatic firestorm in Washington, where Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly berated Zelenskyy in the Oval Office, accusing him of lacking gratitude for U.S. military aid. The heated confrontation derailed plans for a major deal granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral resources, leaving Zelenskyy to depart without signing any agreements.
Originally scheduled for Sunday, Starmer’s meeting with Zelenskyy was moved up in the wake of the White House incident.
On Sunday, Zelenskyy will meet with King Charles III before attending a high-stakes summit with European leaders at Lancaster House, a historic mansion near Buckingham Palace, to discuss Ukraine’s future and strengthening European defense.
