The two leaders warmly embraced outside the black door of Number 10 today NZT, with Britain’s Prime Minister telling Zelenskyy: “As you heard from the cheers on the street outside, you have full backing across the United Kingdom, and we stand with you, with Ukraine, for as long as it may take”.
The comments were in marked contrast to the televised shouting match that unfolded in the Oval Office yesterday, when Trump told Zelenskyy “you’re gambling with World War III” and ejected him from the White House, dashing hopes of reaching a peace agreement in Ukraine’s war with Russia.
Sir Keir Starmer walked to greet Volodymyr Zelenskyy as he arrived at Downing St ahead of a European leaders' summit tomorrow. Photo / AFP
In Downing Street, the Ukrainian President told the Prime Minister “we count on your support and really, really, really happy that we have such partners and such friends”.
He praised Britain for “such big support from the very beginning of the war”, thanking the Prime Minister and his team.
Zelenskyy said he looked forward to an audience with the King, and a summit of European leaders in London organised by the Government.
The meeting comes just days after the King offered Trump a state visit to Britain.
Zelenskyy said: “I’m very happy that His Majesty the King accepted my meeting, ... and I’m thankful that you organised such a great summit.”
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shake hands during a bilateral meeting at 10 Downing Street. Photo /Getty Images
Sir Keir will tell European leaders in London that they must “step up” and guarantee the Continent’s security following the catastrophic White House meeting.
The Prime Minister will convene representatives of 13 European countries along with Turkey and Canada as he tries to act as a bridge between America and Europe.
He will make it clear that now is the time for “actions not words”.
Before he landed at Stansted Airport, Zelenskyy appeared to express regret for the scenes that unfolded yesterday, saying on social media: “We’re truly thankful. We want only strong relations with America, and I really hope we will have them.”
His statement followed remarks from Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, who said Zelenskyy should apologise for his row with Trump and US Vice-President JD Vance in the Oval Office, in front of the world’s media.
It emerged that Starmer had tried to persuade Zelenskyy to return to the White House after the shouting match – a row which began after Vance accused Zelenskyy of being insufficiently thankful for American military aid.
Starmer spoke to both world leaders on the telephone, first speaking to Zelenskyy and then the White House, but it came to no avail.
It is understood the Prime Minister will keep pushing for an American security “backstop” in Europe.
Mark Rutte, the Nato Secretary-General, said he had also urged the Ukrainian President to patch up relations with Trump.
