A day after an extraordinary diplomatic standoff with US President Donald Trump at the White House, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky received a markedly different reception in the United Kingdom, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer extended a warm welcome and reaffirmed Britain's "unwavering support" for Ukraine.
In a significant show of solidarity, the UK and Ukraine on Saturday signed a £2.26 billion loan agreement aimed at enhancing Kyiv’s defence capabilities.
The loan, which will be repaid using profits from sanctioned Russian sovereign assets, was signed by UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Ukrainian Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko. The first tranche of funding is expected to reach Ukraine later next week.
Stark contrast in diplomacy
The atmosphere in London sharply contrasted with the tense meeting at the Oval Office, where Trump reportedly berated Zelensky and refused to sign a minerals deal that could have strengthened economic and defence ties between Kyiv and Washington. Following the heated exchange, the Ukrainian president was asked to leave the White House without securing the agreement.
However, in London, Zelensky was greeted with cheers from gathered supporters as he arrived at 10 Downing Street. Starmer embraced the Ukrainian leader outside his residence and assured him of the UK’s full backing.
“We stand with you and Ukraine for as long as it may take,” Starmer told Zelensky, ahead of a key European summit where leaders are expected to discuss a peace deal to end the war.
Zelensky, in response, expressed gratitude for Britain's continued assistance. “We are very happy in Ukraine that we have such friends. I thank the people of the United Kingdom for their tremendous support from the very beginning of this war,” he said.
UK’s commitment to Ukraine
The UK has been a steadfast ally of Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022, providing military aid, economic support, and diplomatic backing. British officials, including Starmer, have reiterated that Kyiv will not be pressured into accepting any peace deal that does not guarantee Ukraine’s long-term security.
Zelensky’s visit to London comes amid growing divisions between the US and its European allies over the approach to the Ukraine war. Trump’s return to office has sparked uncertainty over Washington’s support, with the former president questioning continued military aid to Kyiv.
Starmer, however, reassured Zelensky of Britain’s commitment. “You have full backing across the United Kingdom,” he told the Ukrainian leader.
Meeting with King Charles
Zelensky is scheduled to meet King Charles on Sunday at the Sandringham estate in eastern England. The British monarch has previously voiced support for Ukraine, praising the "strength and determination" of its people in the face of Russian aggression.
The Ukrainian president’s UK visit was initially planned for Sunday but was brought forward following the fallout from his White House meeting.
Several European leaders have publicly expressed support for Zelensky after his confrontation with Trump, underscoring the widening divide between the US and Europe over the war.
Despite the White House tensions, Zelensky on Saturday acknowledged that US backing remained critical and reiterated his willingness to sign the minerals deal with Washington. However, he maintained that any peace agreement must include security guarantees for Kyiv.
