Starmer doubles down on ‘unwavering support’ to Ukraine ahead of world leaders’ summit
Sir Keir Starmer has offered his “unwavering support” to Ukraine – saying “we’re at a turning point” following a fiery Oval Office exchange between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump.
The prime minister welcomed Mr Zelenskyy to Downing Street on Saturday, where they signed a new loan deal for Ukraine following his disastrous meeting with the US president on Friday.
On Sunday, the pair will be joined by dozens of world leaders for a summit on Ukraine and security.
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Sir Keir will start the day by speaking to Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, before they are joined by French President Emmanuel Macron and leaders from countries including Germany, Denmark, Norway, Poland, Canada, Finland and Romania.
Turkey’s foreign minister, the EU’s Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will also attend.
In a statement issued ahead of the meeting, Sir Keir said he “will reaffirm my unwavering support for Ukraine and double down on my commitment to provide capacity, training and aid” – in order to put the country “in the strongest possible position”.
He continued: “In partnership with our allies, we must intensify our preparations for the European element of security guarantees alongside continued discussions with the United States.
“We have an opportunity to come together to ensure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine that secures their sovereignty and security.
“Now is the time for us to unite in order to guarantee the best outcome for Ukraine, protect European security, and secure our collective future.”
Zelenskyy’s visit to Downing Street
Sir Keir’s statement came after he welcomed Mr Zelenskyy to Downing Street with a hug.
The pair spoke briefly, before Mr Zelenskyy waved at reporters and gave a thumbs up. They then shook hands as they posed for pictures outside the door of No 10.
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When Starmer met Zelenskyy: What happened?
As they sat down inside, Sir Keir told Mr Zelenskyy: “You have full backing across the United Kingdom and we stand with you, with Ukraine, for as long as it may take.
“I hope you heard some of that cheering in the street,” he continued, saying the cheers signified “our absolute determination to stand with you – unwavering determination – and to achieve what we both want to achieve, which is a lasting peace.”
Mr Zelenskyy gave a thumbs up to the waiting crowds
Pic: Reuters
Sir Keir added: “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.”
“So I’m much looking forward to our discussions here this afternoon – thank you very much for making the time to come,” he said.
Mr Zelenskyy replied that he was “happy to be here”.
“I want to thank you, the people of the United Kingdom and the King,” he said, noting he will be meeting the monarch tomorrow.
“We count on your support,” he continued. “We’re really happy we have such partners and such friends.”
A new loan deal for Ukraine
Sir Keir and Mr Zelenskyy both posted on X following their meeting, with the British prime minister saying it was an “honour” to welcome the Ukrainian leader to No 10.
He signed off his post with “Slava Ukraini”, which means ‘Glory to Ukraine’.
In a lengthier post, Mr Zelenskyy said the pair “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”.
The duo will be joined by European and EU leaders for further talks on Sunday. Pic: Lauren Hurley/No 10 Downing Street
He also announced a new loan agreement signed over a videocall today by chancellor Rachel Reeves and Ukrainian finance minister Sergii Marchenko.
The £2.26bn loan will “enhance Ukraine’s defence capabilities” and “be repaid using revenues from frozen Russian assets”, Mr Zelenskyy said.
Ms Reeves signed the loan deal on a videocall with Ukraine’s finance minister Pic: Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street
The Treasury said: “The loan demonstrates the UK’s commitment to Ukrainian defence. A strong Ukraine is vital to UK national security.”
As well as welcoming Mr Zelenskyy, Sir Keir has spoken to US President Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron today.
Sky News understands the calls were constructive and focused on finding a way forward.
Two entirely different White House meetings
Both the Ukrainian president and the British prime minister visited the White House this week – but the two meetings had very different outcomes.
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Watch Trump and Zelenskyy clash
Sir Keir won over Mr Trump in the Oval Office on Thursday as he presented the US president with a letter from the King, inviting him to the UK for an historic second state visit. But Mr Zelenskyy’s meeting in the same room – just 24 hours later – descended into a fiery shouting match.
The Ukrainian president had travelled to Washington DC to attempt to secure a Russia ceasefire agreement and a possible mineral deal with the US.
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His first engagement at the White House was a sit down with Mr Trump and his vice president JD Vance – which ended with the pair accusing Mr Zelenskyy of being “disrespectful” and “gambling with World War Three”.
The Ukrainian president then left early and the rest of the day’s engagements, including a news conference, were hastily cancelled.
His plane, emblazoned with the Ukrainian flag, touched down at London’s Stansted airport and was met by a convoy of cars this morning.