After meeting Volodymyr Zelensky in Downing Street today, Keir Starmer said he is ‘determined to find a path that ends Russia’s illegal war’ and ensures peace in Ukraine
Keir Starmer has spoken out after welcoming Volodymyr Zelensky to Downing Street just a day after the Ukrainian president had a fallout with Donald Trump at the White House.
The Prime Minister said he is “determined to find a path that ends Russia’s illegal war” that will guarantee “a just and lasting peace” as well as Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. The two leaders met just 24 hours after Zelensky and Trump had a heated exchange in front of TV cameras in the Oval Office at the White House.
Tomorrow, European leaders will join Sir Keir and Zelensky in London on Sunday for a defence summit. The Ukrainian leader will also meet King Charles during his visit to Britain. In contrast with the terse exchange in the Oval Office, the meeting between Sir Keir and the Ukrainian president appeared warm.
The Prime Minister, 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 Mr 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.”
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.” According to reports, after welcoming Zelensky to Downing Street, Sir Keir spoke to Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron.