After welcoming Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky today, Keir Starmer spoke on the phone to Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron. A source described the calls as constructive
Keir Starmer called Donald Trump after welcoming Volodymyr Zelensky to Downing Street this afternoon following a break down of talks at the White House.
The Prime Minister met the Ukrainian leader one day after Zelensky visited the White House and had a heated exchange with the US President. He left the country without signing the minerals agreement with Trump and arrived in the UK this morning.
Tomorrow, Zelensky will join the PM and other European leaders for a defence summit. He will also meet King Charles, who invited him to Sandringham. After Sir Keir met the Ukrainian President today, he spoke on the phone with Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron.
A Downing Street source said the calls were constructive and focused on finding a way forward. A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister welcomed President Zelensky to Downing Street this afternoon. The Prime Minister reiterated his unwavering support for Ukraine, adding that the UK will always stand with them, for as long as it takes.
“The Prime Minister re-stated his determination to finding a path that ends Russia’s illegal war and ensures a just and lasting peace that secures Ukraine’s future sovereignty and security. The leaders looked forward to continuing these discussions at tomorrow’s leaders’ summit in London.”
The PM, who usually stands at the doorstep of No 10 to meet world leaders, walked towards Zelensky to meet him as he arrived. They then shared a hug before approaching the famous black door of No 10 together. A group of pro-Ukrainian demonstrators could be seen outside the gates of the street, and were heard to cheer as Zelensky’s convoy drove by.
At the top of their meeting, Sir Keir said: “I hope you heard some of that cheering in the street. That is the people of the United Kingdom coming out to demonstrate how much they support you and how much they support Ukraine, and our absolute determination to stand with you, unwavering determination, to achieve what we both want to achieve, which is a lasting peace, a lasting peace for Ukraine, based on sovereignty and security for Ukraine. So important for Ukraine, so important for Europe, and so important for the United Kingdom.”
Zelensky responded that he saw “a lot of people” outside Downing Street and thanked the United Kingdom for its support. He added: “And I’m very happy that His Majesty the King accepted my meeting tomorrow, and I’m thankful that you organised such great summit for tomorrow.”
The British PM tweeted this evening: “It was an honour to welcome @ZelenskyyUa to Downing Street and reiterate my unwavering support for Ukraine. I am determined to find a path that ends Russia’s illegal war and ensures a just and lasting peace that secures Ukraine’s future sovereignty and security. Slava Ukraini.”
Zelensky also shared a statement on X, formerly called Twitter, including a video of large crowds outside Downing Street as he arrived to meet the PM. He wrote, “London. A meaningful and warm meeting with Prime Minister @Keir_Starmer. During our talks, we discussed the challenges facing Ukraine and all of Europe, coordination with partners, concrete steps to strengthen Ukraine’s position, and ending the war with a just peace, along with robust security guarantees.
“A principled statement of support from the Prime Minister and an important decision: today, in our presence, Ukraine and the United Kingdom signed a Loan Agreement. This loan will enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities and will be repaid using revenues from frozen Russian assets. The funds will be directed toward weapons production in Ukraine.”
