LONDON, March 2 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky received a warm and reassuring welcome from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London yesterday, just a day after a tense exchange with former US President Donald Trump.
As Europe scrambles to reinforce its commitment to Ukraine, Starmer reiterated unwavering support for Kyiv ahead of today’s high-stakes summit, where leaders will discuss strategies to counter Russia’s ongoing invasion.
“Alongside our allies, we must strengthen Europe’s security guarantees while continuing critical discussions with the United States,” Starmer stated in a late-night press release. “Now is the time for unity—to ensure Ukraine’s victory, protect European security, and secure our shared future.”
Major UK-Ukraine Defense Deal Announced
In a significant move, Britain and Ukraine unveiled a £2.26 billion ($2.84 billion) loan agreement to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities. The loan, backed by profits from immobilized Russian sovereign assets, will directly support weapons production in Ukraine.
“Justice demands that the aggressor pays the price,” Zelensky declared on X.
Zelensky arrived at Downing Street to cheers from supporters, where he was warmly embraced by Starmer before both leaders posed for photographs.
“You’re very, very welcome here in Downing Street,” Starmer told him.
“From the very beginning of this war, the UK has stood by Ukraine,” Zelensky responded gratefully.
The Ukrainian leader is also set to meet King Charles III tomorrow.
Tensions with Trump Shake European Confidence
Zelensky’s visit to London follows a dramatic confrontation with Trump, who publicly chastised him for not being “ready” to make peace with Russia. The televised clash, which saw Trump and Vice President JD Vance accuse Zelensky of being “ungrateful,” has sparked alarm across Europe.
“Yesterday underscored that we are entering a new age of geopolitical instability,” said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.
In response to the controversy, Starmer, alongside European leaders like Poland’s Donald Tusk and France’s Emmanuel Macron, reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine’s cause. NATO chief Mark Rutte also advised Zelensky to find a way to “restore his relationship with Trump” to ensure continued US support.
Meanwhile, Russian officials seized the moment. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev mocked Zelensky, calling him an “insolent pig” who was “properly humiliated in the Oval Office.”
Despite Trump’s hostility, Zelensky remains hopeful about securing US backing.
“It’s crucial to have President Trump’s support. He wants to end the war, but no one wants peace more than we do,” he posted on X.
Europe Considers Greater Defense Independence
As Trump’s unpredictability casts doubt on the future of US-European relations, today’s London summit will also explore Europe’s need to expand its own defense capabilities.
French President Emmanuel Macron has signaled openness to discussing a European nuclear deterrent, warning that the continent can no longer rely entirely on America’s security umbrella.
“We have a shield; they don’t,” Macron stated in an interview, emphasizing the need for European defense autonomy.
Germany’s likely next leader, Friedrich Merz, echoed the sentiment, calling for “strategic independence” from Washington. However, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a close Trump ally, remains opposed to an EU-wide approach and has urged direct negotiations with Russia.
With stakes rising, today’s emergency talks in London—attended by key allies including Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau—will seek to solidify a united front against Russian aggression and the evolving global power balance.
