British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warmly embraced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, assuring him of the nation’s unyielding support just a day after Zelenskyy’s public altercation at the White House with US President Donald Trump.
On Saturday, Zelenskyy arrived amidst the resonant cheers of support from the crowd gathered outside 10 Downing Street. Starmer welcomed him with a heartfelt hug and guided him into the iconic British landmark.
‘You’re very, very welcome here in Downing Street,’ Starmer declared to Zelenskyy with genuine warmth. ‘And as you could hear from the enthusiastic cheers outside, you have full support across the United Kingdom.’
We stand unwaveringly by your side, shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, for as long as it takes in your time of need. Zelenskyy warmly acknowledged the immense gathering of supporters amassed outside Downing Street, expressing his gratitude: ‘I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to you, the people of the United Kingdom, for your immense support from the very outset of this conflict.’ He continued, ‘I am overjoyed that His Majesty the King has graciously accepted to meet with me tomorrow.
In Ukraine, we are elated to have such a formidable strategic partner.’ He further emphasized, ‘We deeply rely on your steadfast support.’
On Saturday, the UK and Ukraine entered into a significant loan agreement totalling £2.26 billion ($2.84bn) to enhance Ukraine’s defence capabilities, which London hailed as a testament to ‘our unwavering and ongoing support for the Ukrainian people.’ The finance ministers from both nations, Rachel Reeves and Sergii Marchenko, put pen to paper during a virtual ceremony while Starmer met with Zelenskyy. This loan is to be repaid using the profits derived from immobilized sovereign Russian assets.