UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer warmly welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Downing Street on Saturday, reaffirming Britain’s steadfast support for Ukraine just a day after Zelensky’s tense exchange with former US President Donald Trump.
With an emergency summit set for Sunday in London to strategize continued aid for Ukraine’s defense against Russia, Starmer doubled down on his commitment to Kyiv.
“In partnership with our allies, we must intensify our efforts to strengthen European security guarantees while continuing discussions with the United States,” Starmer declared in a late-night statement. “Now is the time to stand together and secure Ukraine’s future, safeguard Europe, and protect our collective stability.”
Billions Pledged for Ukraine’s Defense
In a significant show of support, Ukraine and the UK announced a landmark £2.26 billion ($2.84 billion) loan agreement to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities. The funds, sourced from the profits of frozen Russian sovereign assets, will directly aid weapons production in Ukraine.
“This is real justice,” Zelensky shared on X (formerly Twitter). “The one who started the war must be the one to pay.”
Zelensky’s arrival in London was met with cheers as his convoy swept into Downing Street. Starmer embraced the Ukrainian leader before the two posed for photographs and stepped inside for closed-door talks that lasted about 75 minutes. Upon departing, Zelensky and Starmer exchanged another warm embrace.
Trump, Tensions, and Transatlantic Fallout
Zelensky’s visit comes amid growing tensions following his highly publicized clash with Trump. The former US president criticized Ukraine’s handling of the war and accused Zelensky of not being “ready” for peace with Russia—a statement that sent shockwaves through Europe.
Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock described the situation as the dawn of “a new age of infamy.” European leaders, including France’s Emmanuel Macron and Poland’s Donald Tusk, swiftly reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Kyiv in the wake of Trump’s remarks.
Meanwhile, NATO chief Mark Rutte urged Zelensky to rebuild bridges with Trump, a task that could prove challenging given the former president’s unpredictable stance on Ukraine.
Russia Reacts as Europe Rethinks Defense Strategy
As expected, Russian officials seized on the diplomatic drama. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev mocked Zelensky, calling him an “insolent pig” who had been “properly put in his place” during the Oval Office showdown.
Trump’s apparent pivot toward Putin has raised alarms across the NATO alliance. His recent claims of private discussions with the Russian leader—beyond what has been publicly acknowledged—only fuel concerns over the future of transatlantic cooperation.
With uncertainty surrounding America’s role in NATO, Sunday’s summit will also focus on Europe’s growing need for defense independence. French President Macron has even floated the idea of an EU nuclear deterrent, given increasing doubts over US commitment to European security.
What’s Next?
Zelensky will meet King Charles III on Sunday before joining European leaders for high-stakes emergency talks in London. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is also expected to attend.
As tensions escalate and alliances shift, one thing remains clear—Europe is bracing for a future where it may have to stand on its own against Russian aggression, with or without the full backing of the United States.
