UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of the United Kingdom’s unwavering support, declaring he has “full backing across the country” during a meeting at Downing Street. The Ukrainian leader, fresh from a contentious White House meeting with US President Donald Trump, expressed gratitude for the UK’s continued friendship and support. Their discussions culminated in the signing of a landmark £2.26 billion loan for Ukrainian military supplies, to be repaid using profits from frozen Russian assets.
Following their meeting, Starmer also held talks with Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron. On Sunday, the prime minister will host a European summit in London focused on ending the Russia-Ukraine war and strengthening European defense efforts. Zelensky is also set to meet King Charles III, a meeting reportedly requested by the Ukrainian president and approved by the UK government.
In recent weeks, Starmer has positioned himself as a key mediator between the US and Europe amid shifting global alliances. The Trump administration has signaled a reduced role in European defense, prompting the UK to take a more proactive stance. Ahead of his meeting with Zelensky, Starmer met with Trump and personally delivered a letter from King Charles III inviting the former president to an unprecedented second state visit. However, the move has faced criticism from SNP MPs, who have urged the prime minister to revoke the invitation following Trump’s clash with Zelensky in the Oval Office. Starmer has also sought to act as a conduit between Ukraine and the US, facilitating dialogue in pursuit of security guarantees for Ukraine. He contacted both Trump and Zelensky by phone on Friday evening to smooth over tensions after their heated exchange.
Addressing Zelensky at Downing Street, Starmer emphasized the UK’s steadfast support: “That is the people of the United Kingdom coming out to demonstrate how much they support you, how much they support Ukraine. We stand with you and Ukraine for as long as it may take.” Zelensky, visibly moved by public support, responded: “I saw a lot of people, and I want to thank you and the people of the United Kingdom for such strong backing from the very beginning of this war.” He also welcomed the upcoming meeting with King Charles III and the European summit, hailing them as crucial diplomatic engagements.
Zelensky’s visit comes amid concerns about US-Ukraine relations following the tense White House meeting. Seeking to mend ties, the Ukrainian president later stated: “Despite the tough dialogue, we remain strategic partners. But we need to be honest and direct with each other to truly understand our shared goals.” Upon arriving in the UK, he underscored the importance of securing Trump’s support: “It’s crucial for us to have President Trump’s backing. He wants to end the war, but no one wants peace more than we do. We are the ones living this war in Ukraine. It’s a fight for our freedom, for our very survival.”
Sunday’s summit in London is the latest in a series of high-level European meetings responding to Washington’s evolving stance on Ukraine. The Trump administration has so far excluded European leaders from preliminary talks with Russia, raising concerns about a shift in US foreign policy. Accusations that Trump is echoing Russian propaganda have further complicated matters. With the US stepping back, European nations are reassessing their defense strategies. At the top of Sunday’s agenda will be enhancing Europe’s military capabilities and securing US-backed security assurances for Ukraine as part of any peace agreement.
Before the previous summit in Paris, Starmer proposed sending British troops to Ukraine as part of a European peacekeeping force. However, he stressed that such a deployment would require a US security “backstop.” Trump has so far resisted direct military support for Ukraine but has instead proposed closer economic cooperation, including a minerals deal he claims could act as a deterrent to Russian aggression. However, reports suggest that following his dispute with Zelensky, Trump is now considering cutting off aid to Ukraine entirely. Meanwhile, European leaders recognize the urgent need to boost defense spending. However, military experts caution that the UK is currently unprepared to take on an expanded security role without significant reinvestment in its armed forces.
As diplomatic talks continue, the war on the ground remains relentless. In the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, a Russian drone attack overnight injured seven people and set a three-story medical facility ablaze. Ukraine’s state emergency service reported evacuating 64 people, mostly patients, from the burning hospital. Meanwhile, Russia’s defense ministry claimed to have intercepted and destroyed 48 Ukrainian drones in its airspace overnight.
Sunday’s summit will see Starmer and Zelensky joined by leaders from France, Germany, and Poland, as well as top officials from the European Commission, European Council, and NATO. In a significant move, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced that the European Commission will unveil a new defense package on March 6. Zelensky continues to receive robust support from European allies, who have rallied behind him following his fraught visit to Washington. However, with the US seemingly shifting its stance, Europe faces mounting pressure to take a more decisive role in ensuring Ukraine’s security and shaping the path toward peace.
