On Saturday afternoon, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Downing Street, according to No. 10 officials.
Zelensky arrived at Stansted Airport around 11:20 local time, following a tense meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday. The discussion between the two leaders reportedly escalated into a heated exchange over the level of US support for Ukraine
Despite the friction, Zelensky took to X to reaffirm his commitment to the partnership with the US, stating, “Although the conversation was tough, we remain strategic partners. It’s essential that we speak openly and directly to understand our mutual objectives.”
Zelensky’s arrival in the UK precedes a summit hosted by Sir Keir, where European leaders will gather to discuss potential steps toward ending the war between Ukraine and Russia.
The meeting between Zelensky and Trump, initially intended to focus on a minerals agreement, turned into an extraordinary confrontation in the Oval Office. Trump reportedly accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War Three.” US Vice President JD Vance, also present, asked Zelensky whether he had expressed gratitude for America’s support.
While Zelensky has repeatedly acknowledged the US’s contribution, he did so again in a series of X posts upon his arrival in the UK. In one of the posts, he expressed deep appreciation, saying, “We are incredibly grateful for the US’s support over the last three years. America’s help has been critical to our survival, and I want to publicly thank them.”
Zelensky emphasized the importance of continuing to secure President Trump’s support, stating, “He wants to bring an end to the war, but no one desires peace more than us. We are the ones living through this conflict in Ukraine. This is a fight for our freedom, for our very survival.”
