Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to the UK received enthusiastic support, coinciding with a scheduled meeting with King Charles III on Sunday. His trip came amid tensions following a heated confrontation with U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance in the Oval Office. The American leaders reportedly berated Zelenskyy and abruptly cut short their meeting, which had been intended to finalize a minerals agreement between Ukraine and the U.S. Meanwhile, Trump’s administration continues direct negotiations with Russia to bring an end to the war.
While some European leaders have openly criticized the Oval Office clash, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has refrained from public condemnation. However, he spoke separately with both Zelenskyy and Trump on Friday night. On Saturday, Starmer and Zelenskyy met in London, sitting side by side in a setting reminiscent of Zelenskyy’s recent meeting with Trump.
As the Ukrainian leader arrived at Downing Street, a crowd of pro-Ukraine demonstrators gathered outside the gates, cheering for his convoy. Inside, Starmer acknowledged the support, telling Zelenskyy in front of cameras: “I hope you heard some of that cheering in the street. That is the people of the United Kingdom showing their support for you and Ukraine.”
Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine, emphasizing their shared goal of achieving lasting peace based on Ukrainian sovereignty and security. Zelenskyy, for his part, expressed happiness about his upcoming meeting with King Charles III and highlighted Ukraine’s strong partnerships, including a 100-year strategic agreement signed earlier this year to solidify the UK’s support for Kyiv.
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