Sir Keir Starmer has expressed strong support for Ukraine, stating that the conflict is at a pivotal moment. This comes ahead of an important summit in London where leaders from around the world will gather to discuss Ukraine’s future and security.
On Saturday, Starmer welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Downing Street. The two leaders signed a new loan deal aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities. This meeting followed a challenging encounter for Zelenskyy with former U.S. President Donald Trump just a day earlier, which reportedly ended in a heated exchange.
The summit today will see Starmer and Zelenskyy joined by numerous leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and French President Emmanuel Macron. They will also be joined by representatives from Germany, Denmark, Norway, Poland, Canada, Finland, and Romania, as well as key figures like EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Starmer has emphasized the need for Europe to be prepared to take on peacekeeping responsibilities if a ceasefire is reached with Russia. He believes that the UK should play a significant role in ensuring Ukraine’s security and sovereignty.
In a statement, Starmer said, "Three years on from Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, we are at a turning point. Today I will reaffirm my unwavering support for Ukraine and double down on my commitment to provide capacity, training, and aid to Ukraine." He also highlighted the importance of unity among allies to secure a lasting peace.
During his meeting with Zelenskyy, Starmer assured him of the UK’s support. He noted the cheers from the crowd outside, which signified the British public’s determination to stand with Ukraine. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the support, saying, "We count on your support. We’re really happy we have such partners and such friends."
The new loan agreement, worth £2.26 billion, will be repaid using revenues from frozen Russian assets. This funding is intended to enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities amid ongoing conflict.
Following their meeting, Starmer also spoke with Trump and Macron in separate phone calls. Reports suggest these discussions were constructive and focused on finding a path forward for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy’s trip to London comes after a difficult meeting in Washington, where he faced criticism from Trump. This stark contrast highlights the different receptions he received from Western leaders. After the summit, Zelenskyy is expected to meet with King Charles at Sandringham, further solidifying the UK’s support for Ukraine.