LONDON — On Saturday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warmly welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, assuring him of the United Kingdom’s steadfast support amidst international tensions.
As Zelenskyy arrived at 10 Downing Street, he was greeted with applause from onlookers, signaling strong public support in the UK. Starmer embraced the Ukrainian leader and invited him inside for discussions. This meeting took place just before European leaders were set to convene in London to deliberate on safeguarding Ukraine and European interests, especially in light of potential U.S. support withdrawal. Such conversations have gained urgency following a confrontational exchange between Zelenskyy and former President Donald Trump in Washington.
Starmer affirmed the UK’s comprehensive backing, stating, “And as you heard from the cheers on the street outside, you have full backing across the United Kingdom. We stand with you, with Ukraine, for as long as it may take.” Zelenskyy, in turn, expressed gratitude for the solidarity and aid extended by the British people.
In a significant development, the UK revealed its decision to provide Ukraine with a 2.26 billion-pound loan (equivalent to $2.84 billion) aimed at military procurement. This fund will be sourced from profits garnered from frozen Russian assets, contributing to a substantial $50 billion aid package promised by the G7 nations. Zelenskyy acknowledged this assistance with appreciation, highlighting the moral justice of utilizing resources from those responsible for the conflict.
After their meeting, Starmer engaged in conversations with Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, as reported by his office. This diplomatic engagement follows a tense episode where Trump, along with Vice President JD Vance, criticized Zelenskyy in the Oval Office on live television for allegedly not demonstrating enough gratitude for U.S. support.
Amid pressure from Trump to finalize an agreement granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral resources, Zelenskyy left Washington without committing to any deals, reflecting the complexities of geopolitics influencing the situation.
Initially, discussions between Zelenskyy and Starmer were slated for Sunday, ahead of the European summit. However, the schedule was accelerated following the challenging visit to Washington. On Sunday, before attending the meeting at Lancaster House near Buckingham Palace, Zelenskyy is set to meet with King Charles III, further strengthening diplomatic ties.
