Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived at Downing Street following a tense meeting with US President Donald Trump yesterday.
A group of pro-Ukrainian demonstrators cheered as Zelensky’s convoy drove by Downing Street.
Keir Starmer tells Volodymyr Zelensky Ukraine has ‘full support of UK’ after Donald Trump lashing
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His warm welcome in the UK contrasted sharply with the public clash at the White House on Friday, where the US President claimed Zelensky was “gambling with World War Three”.
The Ukrainian leader was accused of not being thankful enough for US military aid by both Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Following the televised meeting, Zelensky was asked to leave the White House and plans to sign a deal exchanging Ukrainian mineral rights for American arms were put on hold.
After landing in Britain, Zelensky wrote on social media that Ukraine was “very grateful to the United States for all the support”.
“I’m thankful to President Trump, Congress for their bipartisan support, and American people,” he added.
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Volodymyr Zelensky greeted at Downing Street by Keir Starmer
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Zelensky emphasised: “It’s crucial for us to have President Trump’s support.”
Downing Street signalled that Starmer had sought to smooth tensions by calling both leaders after their clash.
The Prime Minister has tried to position the UK as a bridge between Europe and the US.
A No10 spokeswoman said Starmer “retains unwavering support for Ukraine, and is doing all he can to find a path forward to a lasting peace”.
Starmer’s talks at Downing Street on Sunday will bring European leaders together to discuss policing a future Ukraine peace deal.
The Prime Minister believes any agreement must involve US military assets providing surveillance, intelligence and potentially warplanes.
WATCH IN FULL: Donald Trump tells Zelensky he is ‘gambling with World War 3’
These would aim to deter Russian President Vladimir Putin from launching another invasion attempt.
However, hopes for US-European unity on Ukraine’s future now appear in disarray.
The King will also meet with the Ukrainian leader on Sunday as part of his visit to Britain.
Zelensky wore a black long-sleeved shirt featuring Ukraine’s coat of arms, a golden trident, and black cargo trousers.
A similar outfit sparked criticism in the White House as Zelensky drew the ire of the US press for not wearing a suit when meeting President Trump.
Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte told the BBC that Zelensky should repair his relationship with the US President.
In a Friday night phone call, Rutte said: “I think you have to find a way, dear Volodymyr, to restore your relationship with Donald Trump and the American administration.”
Volodymyr Zelensky and Keir Starmer shook hands outside the door of No10
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Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called on Sir Keir to use Sunday’s summit to “do concrete things” to support Ukraine.
During a visit to Northern Ireland, she said: “At tomorrow’s summit what I expect our Prime Minister to do is speak to Germany about doing what we did with Storm Shadow missiles, with Taurus for example.
“There are air raid sirens currently ringing in Ukraine.”