LONDON: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday (Mar 1) gave Volodymyr Zelenskyy a heat welcome in London, a day after the Ukrainian chief’s conflict with US President Donald Trump.
And forward of Sunday’s summit in London to debate tips on how to assist Ukraine because it battles Russia’s invading forces, Starmer reiterated his assist for Kyiv.
“In partnership with our allies, we should intensify our preparations for the European component of safety ensures alongside continued discussions with the USA,” he mentioned in an announcement issued late Saturday.
“Now’s the time for us to unite with a purpose to assure the very best end result for Ukraine, defend European safety, and safe our collective future,” he added.
Hours earlier, Ukraine and the UK unveiled a £2.26 billion (US$2.84 billion) mortgage settlement to assist Ukraine’s defence capabilities, to be paid again with the earnings of immobilised sovereign Russian belongings.
“The funds might be directed towards weapons manufacturing in Ukraine,” Zelensky mentioned on X.
“That is true justice – the one who began the battle have to be the one to pay.”
Supporters cheered as Zelenskyy’s convoy swept into Downing Road, the place he was embraced by Starmer and posed for images earlier than heading contained in the UK chief’s residence.
“You are very, very welcome right here in Downing Road,” Starmer instructed Zelenskyy.
“And as you have heard from the cheers road outdoors, you’ve gotten full backing throughout the UK, and we stand with you with Ukraine for so long as it could take”.
“I wish to thanks, the folks of the UK, for such massive assist from the very starting of this battle,” Zelenskyy responded.
He is because of meet King Charles III on Sunday.
The pair met behind closed doorways for round 75 minutes, and embraced once more as Starmer escorted Zelenskyy to his automotive.
