'You have full backing...': UK PM Starmer hugs Zelenskyy
What's the story
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer embraced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy outside 10 Downing Street on Saturday. The meeting, originally planned for Sunday, was moved up after Zelensky's tense meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House. "You have full backing across the United Kingdom," Starmer told Zelensky, promising support for Ukraine "for as long as it may take." The Ukrainian leader thanked the UK for its support and friendship.
Defense aid
UK commits £2.26 billion loan to boost Ukraine's defense
During their London meeting, Starmer and Zelensky emphasized military aid and security assistance. The UK pledged a £2.26 billion loan to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities. This loan will be repaid through revenues from frozen Russian assets and is meant to support weapons production in Ukraine. The meeting's goal was to coordinate a unified European response to Ukraine's defense needs as US policy shifts.
Solidarity expressed
European leaders voice support for Ukraine
Zelenskyy's London visit paved the way for a wider European summit on Sunday. The summit will focus on Europe's contribution to defending Ukraine if US support declines. European leaders are likely to discuss enhanced military cooperation and sanctions on Russia. Turkey has also been invited to reiterate its commitment to "Ukraine's territorial integrity." This comes after several European leaders, including Germany, France, Spain, Poland, and the Netherlands, expressed support for Ukraine after Zelenskyy's tense exchange with Trump.
Upcoming engagements
Zelensky to meet King Charles III ahead of European summit
Before the European summit at Lancaster House, Zelenskyy will meet King Charles III on Sunday. This comes after European leaders expressed their support for Ukraine on social media, with Zelenskyy thanking each of them personally. Germany's outgoing chancellor Olaf Scholz said, "No one wants peace more than the citizens of Ukraine." His successor-in-waiting, Friedrich Merz, added, "We stand with Ukraine," and "We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war."