Sir Keir Starmer has pledged his “unwavering support” for Ukraine, adding that “we are at a turning point” in the war, ahead of a crucial meeting with world leaders today.
The prime minister welcomed Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Downing Street on Saturday, where they signed a new loan deal for Ukraine following the Ukrainian president’s disastrous meeting with Donald Trump at the Oval Office on Friday.
Today, Sir Keir and Mr Zelenskyy will be joined by dozens of leaders in London for the summit on Ukraine and security.
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Sir Keir will start the day by speaking to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, before they are joined by French President Emmanuel Macron and leaders from countries including Germany, Denmark, Norway, Poland, Canada, Finland and Romania.
EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, NATO secretary general Mark Rutte and Turkey’s foreign minister Hakan Fidan will also attend.
While America is the driving force behind brokering a peace deal with Russia, Sir Keir wants Europe to be ready to lead peacekeeping efforts should a deal be struck.
Sir Keir pledged this week to raise the UK’s defence spending to 2.5% of its economic output by 2027.
Sir Keir said it was an ‘honour’ to welcome Mr Zelenskyy to Downing Street. Pic: Lauren Hurley/No 10 Downing Street
In a statement issued last night ahead of the summit, Sir Keir said: “Three years on from Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, we are at a turning point. Today I will reaffirm my unwavering support for Ukraine and double down on my commitment to provide capacity, training and aid to Ukraine, putting it in the strongest possible position.
“In partnership with our allies, we must intensify our preparations for the European element of security guarantees alongside continued discussions with the United States.
“We have an opportunity to come together to ensure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine that secures their sovereignty and security.
“Now is the time for us to unite in order to guarantee the best outcome for Ukraine, protect European security, and secure our collective future.”
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‘Emotional’ Zelenskyy comforted by Starmer
Zelenskyy’s visit to Downing Street
Sir Keir’s statement came after he welcomed Mr Zelenskyy to Downing Street with a hug.
The pair spoke briefly, before Mr Zelenskyy waved at reporters and gave a thumbs up. They then shook hands as they posed for pictures outside the door of Number 10.
As they sat down inside, Sir Keir told Mr Zelenskyy: “You have full backing across the United Kingdom and we stand with you, with Ukraine, for as long as it may take.
“I hope you heard some of that cheering in the street,” he continued, saying the cheers signified “our absolute determination to stand with you – unwavering determination – and to achieve what we both want to achieve, which is a lasting peace.”
Mr Zelenskyy gave a thumbs up to the waiting crowds
Pic: Reuters
Mr Zelenskyy replied that he was “happy to be here”.
“I want to thank you, the people of the United Kingdom and the King,” he said, noting he will also be meeting the monarch.
“We count on your support,” he continued. “We’re really happy we have such partners and such friends.”
A new loan deal for Ukraine
Sir Keir and Mr Zelenskyy both posted on X following their meeting, with the prime minister saying it was an “honour” to welcome the president to Downing Street.
He signed off his post with “Slava Ukraini”, which means “Glory to Ukraine”.
In a lengthier post, Mr Zelenskyy said the pair “discussed the challenges facing Ukraine and all of Europe, coordination with partners, concrete steps to strengthen Ukraine’s position, and ending the war with a just peace, along with robust security guarantees”.
The duo will be joined by EU and world leaders for further talks on Sunday. Pic: Lauren Hurley/No 10 Downing Street
He also announced a new loan agreement signed over a video call on Saturday by chancellor Rachel Reeves and Ukraine’s finance minister Sergii Marchenko.
The £2.26bn loan will “enhance Ukraine’s defence capabilities” and “be repaid using revenues from frozen Russian assets”, Mr Zelenskyy said.
Ms Reeves signed the loan deal on a videocall with Ukraine’s finance minister Pic: Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street
The Treasury said: “The loan demonstrates the UK’s commitment to Ukrainian defence. A strong Ukraine is vital to UK national security.”
After welcoming Mr Zelenskyy to Number 10, Sir Keir also spoke to US President Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron in separate phone calls.
Sky News understands the discussions were constructive and focused on finding a way forward.
Two entirely different White House meetings
Both the Ukrainian president and the UK prime minister visited the White House this week – but the two meetings had very different outcomes.
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Watch Trump and Zelenskyy clash
Sir Keir won over Mr Trump in the Oval Office on Thursday as he presented the US president with a letter from the King, inviting him to the UK for an historic second state visit. But Mr Zelenskyy’s meeting in the same room – just 24 hours later – descended into a fiery shouting match.
The Ukrainian president had travelled to Washington DC to attempt to secure a Russia ceasefire agreement and a possible mineral deal with the US.
Read more:
Trump and Zelenskyy body language explained
How Starmer secured wins at the White House
Zelenskyy refuses to apologise for Oval Office row
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His first engagement at the White House was a sit down with Mr Trump and his vice president JD Vance – which ended with the pair accusing Mr Zelenskyy of being “disrespectful” and “gambling with World War Three”.
He then left early and the rest of the day’s engagements, including a news conference, were abruptly cancelled.
In a hastily rearranged meeting with Sir Keir in London, Mr Zelenskyy’s plane, emblazoned with the Ukrainian flag, touched down at Stansted airport on Saturday morning.
The Ukrainian president is expected to meet the King at his Sandringham estate in Norfolk after attending the summit.