The United Kingdom and Ukraine entered into a €3 billion ($3.1 billion) loan deal to enhance Kyiv’s defense strength, a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s dramatic standoff with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.
When he arrived in London Stansted Airport on Saturday, Zelenskyy was greeted warmly by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street. Starmer greeted him with handshakes and “warm\” hugs as fans cheered his arrival. The two leaders took photos before making their way inside for talks.
The meeting came before a European leaders’ summit on Sunday, which Downing Street said was an attempt to build momentum behind “securing a just and lasting peace” in Ukraine.
Starmer Reaffirms Britain’s ‘Full Support’ for Ukraine
As they spoke, Starmer pledged Zelenskyy that Britain is with Ukraine. “You have the full support right around the United Kingdom and we have the full support for Ukraine as long as it takes,” he said. He added that the overjoyed applause of the British people was proof of their “unshakeable determination” to stand in favor of Ukraine and its independence.
Zelenskyy Gives Thanks to UK Support
Zelenskyy expressed appreciation for Britain’s assistance from the outset of the conflict and voiced optimism about the upcoming summit with European leaders. “Very happy in the UK,” he said, adding, “We’re happy and count on your support.”
He subsequently discussed their conversations in a post to X, reporting, “When we spoke, we talked about the problems currently facing Ukraine and all of Europe, coordination between partners, specific actions to beef up Ukraine’s positions and seal the war through a fair peace, and sincere security guarantees.”
Zelenskyy also expressed gratitude to the UK for the loan deal, saying it would “increase our defence capacity, which will be paid back from the revenues obtained from Russian frozen assets.” He added, “The funds will be used for the manufacture of weapons in Ukraine. That’s just: the one who initiated the war should pay.”
Trump-Zelenskyy Clash at the White House
The diplomatic outreach to the UK followed soon after Zelenskyy’s encounter with Trump in Washington became acrimonious. The talks broke down when U.S. Senator JD Vance accused Zelenskyy of having “disrespected” the U.S., prompting the Ukrainian delegation to be requested to vacate the White House.
