Breaking News
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Mar 03 2025
9
Sir Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, has reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s unwavering support for Ukraine during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Downing Street. The two leaders met in the wake of a tense exchange between Zelensky and US President Donald Trump, following a visit to the White House that led to a public dispute. Zelensky expressed his gratitude to the UK, calling the country a “true friend” to Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.
One of the significant outcomes of the meeting was the signing of a £2.26 billion loan agreement, which will be used for the purchase of military supplies for Ukraine. The loan will be repaid using profits from Russian assets frozen by the UK government in response to the invasion. This financial agreement further cements the UK's commitment to Ukraine’s defense efforts.
Later in the day, Zelensky is scheduled to meet with King Charles, marking another diplomatic highlight of his visit. Meanwhile, Sir Keir is set to host a summit in London with European and Canadian leaders, aimed at reinforcing efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Tensions Between Zelensky and Trump
The meeting between Zelensky and Sir Keir came at a time when relations between the US and Ukraine appeared strained, following a heated encounter between Zelensky and President Trump. The Ukrainian president, however, emphasized his country's need for strong US support. On arrival in the UK, Zelensky expressed his appreciation for the UK’s ongoing support and hoped to mend ties with the US, acknowledging that despite the tough exchanges, Ukraine and the US remain “strategic partners.”
In his statements, Zelensky also called for honest and direct conversations with the US to clarify their shared goals, particularly as both nations seek to bring the war to an end. He underscored the human toll the war has taken on Ukraine, saying, "We are the ones living this war in Ukraine. It’s a fight for our freedom, for our very survival."
Strengthening European Defense
The meeting in London is part of broader efforts to bolster European defense capabilities, particularly as the US shifts its stance on military involvement in Ukraine. While the Trump administration has excluded Europe from preliminary peace talks with Russia, the UK and European leaders are focused on strengthening their defense systems to counter the growing threats from Russia.
In his earlier remarks, Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the UK's commitment to supporting Ukraine for as long as necessary. He also referred to the support demonstrated by the British public, citing the crowds cheering outside Downing Street. Starmer added, “That is the people of the United Kingdom coming out to demonstrate how much they support you, how much they support Ukraine.”
The UK’s continued backing of Ukraine is also visible in its financial contributions. The £2.26 billion loan, which will be used to produce weapons within Ukraine, has been hailed as a form of "true justice," with Zelensky asserting that Russia, the aggressor in the war, should be the one to bear the costs of its actions.
The Summit and Future Plans
Sunday’s summit in London will see the participation of leaders from France, Germany, and Poland, as well as the heads of the European Commission and the European Council, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. One of the key agenda items will be strengthening Europe’s defense capabilities and securing further support for Ukraine.
European leaders have voiced their concern over the US’s shifting approach to the conflict, especially after Trump’s recent comments. Reports suggest that Trump is considering halting aid to Ukraine altogether, which could have a significant impact on the course of the war.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the situation on the ground remains dire. Just hours before Zelensky’s visit to London, Ukraine’s northeastern city of Kharkiv was hit by a drone attack that injured seven people and caused a fire at a medical facility. Meanwhile, Russia’s defense ministry claimed to have intercepted and destroyed 48 Ukrainian drones in overnight operations.
With tensions still high and no end to the fighting in sight, the upcoming European summit will play a crucial role in shaping the next phase of the war, with leaders aiming to align their strategies for peace and defense in the face of an increasingly divided international response.
