Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met King Charles shortly after his tense exchange with former US President Donald Trump at the White House. His visit followed an emergency summit in London, where European leaders urged him to mend ties with Trump, as reported.
Zelenskyy, dressed in all black, traveled by helicopter to Sandringham. King Charles warmly welcomed him, and they shook hands outside the royal estate. However, as per royal protocol, Buckingham Palace did not disclose details of their discussion.
Tensions Over Trump’s UK State Visit
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy’s meeting with Charles took place as UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faced mounting pressure to cancel Trump’s state visit invitation. Just 48 hours earlier, Zelenskyy had endured a difficult White House meeting with Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Upon his arrival in the UK, Starmer greeted him warmly. Earlier, Starmer told the BBC he felt “uncomfortable” watching Zelenskyy’s tense interaction with Trump.
King Charles Stands with Ukraine
Notably, King Charles has been a strong supporter of Ukraine. As Zelenskyy arrived at Sandringham, local residents gathered outside, waving Ukrainian flags. This visit marked their second meeting, as they had first met in February 2023—making Charles the first British monarch to welcome a Ukrainian head of state. At that time, the King told Zelenskyy, “We’ve all been worried about you and thinking about your country.”
In previous statements, Charles has condemned Russia’s invasion, calling it an “unprovoked attack” that brought “indescribable aggression” upon Ukraine. Last year, he also praised Ukrainians for their “truly remarkable courage and resilience.”
Starmer Rejects Demands to Cancel Trump’s Visit
At the same time, Starmer dismissed growing calls to revoke Trump’s state visit invitation. On March 2, Scottish First Minister John Swinney insisted that any visit should require Trump to “stand fully with us in protecting Ukraine.” He argued that if Trump refused, “a UK state visit shouldn’t be on the table.”
However, Starmer rejected these demands. “I’m not going to be diverted by the SNP or others trying to ramp up the rhetoric,” he told Newsweek.
Similarly, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn criticized Starmer, urging him to “get back up off his knees and revoke that offer of a state visit.” Nevertheless, Starmer stood firm. Speaking to the BBC, he emphasized, “I’m focused on practical steps, bridge-building, and fostering relationships that lead to lasting peace in Europe.”
