International News - Starmer tells Zelensky he has 'full backing' of UK

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has met UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in Downing Street, just a day after his heated exchange with US President Donald Trump in Washington.

Welcoming Zelensky, Starmer reaffirmed the UK's unwavering support for Ukraine, stating:

"You're very, very welcome here in Downing Street. As you've heard from the cheers on the street outside, you have full backing across the United Kingdom, and we stand with Ukraine for as long as it may take."

Starmer also emphasized the importance of achieving a lasting peace, stating:

"We want to achieve a lasting peace for Ukraine, based on sovereignty and security for Ukraine—so important for Europe and so important for the United Kingdom."

Zelensky Expresses Gratitude for UK Support, Confirms Meeting with King Charles

Zelensky thanked the British people for their steadfast support:

"I want to thank you, the people of the United Kingdom, for such big support from the very beginning of this war."

He also confirmed his upcoming meeting with King Charles, describing the UK as a "strategic partner" for Ukraine:

"I'm very happy that His Majesty The King accepted my meeting tomorrow, and we are very happy in Ukraine that we have such a strategic partner. We count on your support."

Fallout from Trump-Zelensky White House Clash

Zelensky’s visit to London comes amid growing international concern following his tense confrontation with Trump at the White House.

Trump accused Zelensky of "gambling with World War Three", demanding Ukraine negotiate peace with Russia or risk losing US support.
The heated exchange has sparked alarm across Europe, with Germany calling it the start of a "new age of infamy".
Meanwhile, Russia reacted with satisfaction to Trump’s criticism of Zelensky, viewing it as a sign of weakening Western support for Ukraine.

Despite the public dispute with Trump, Zelensky insisted that the US president’s support remains "crucial" for Ukraine’s future:

"It's crucial for us to have President Trump's support. He wants to end the war, but no one wants peace more than we do."

Emergency Talks with European Leaders Scheduled

Following his meeting with Starmer, Zelensky is set to hold emergency discussions with Kyiv's European allies tomorrow.

With the US commitment to Ukraine now uncertain, European nations—including the UK, Germany, and France—may need to step up their financial and military backing to compensate for a potential shift in US policy.

What’s Next?

Zelensky to meet King Charles tomorrow to further discuss UK support.
Emergency talks with European leaders to reinforce Ukraine’s position amid growing concerns over US support.
The UK, Germany, and other European nations may be forced to increase aid as US commitment wavers.

As Zelensky continues to rally European backing, his meeting with Starmer signals the UK’s ongoing leadership in supporting Ukraine—even as uncertainty grows over America’s future role in the conflict.