LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly demonstrated his unwavering support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday evening, shortly after a contentious encounter in the Oval Office involving former President Donald Trump. Zelenskyy was in London to attend a meeting of European leaders the following day.
Starmer’s warm welcome for Zelenskyy
Upon Zelenskyy’s arrival at No. 10 Downing Street, Starmer greeted him warmly, embracing him as he stepped onto the iconic steps. Inside, Starmer assured Zelenskyy of his “full backing across the United Kingdom,” emphasizing that both the British government and its citizens stand firmly with Ukraine “for as long as it may take.”
Starmer’s enthusiastic support for Zelenskyy comes on the heels of a remarkable confrontation between the Ukrainian leader and U.S. President Trump, along with Vice President JD Vance. During this meeting, Zelenskyy faced a barrage of criticism that overshadowed the intended discussions about a minerals deal between the two nations, as Trump’s administration navigates its complex relationship with Russia amid ongoing conflicts.
Public support for Ukraine
Unlike some of his European counterparts, Starmer has refrained from publicly condemning the Oval Office incident. However, he had spoken with both Zelenskyy and Trump the previous evening. During their meeting on Saturday, Starmer sat alongside the Ukrainian president, a visual echo of the earlier meeting with Trump.
As Zelenskyy arrived, pro-Ukrainian demonstrators gathered outside Downing Street, cheering as his convoy approached. Inside, Starmer referenced this public support, telling Zelenskyy before the cameras: “I hope you heard some of that cheering in the street. That is the people of the United Kingdom coming out to demonstrate how much they support you and how much they support Ukraine, and our absolute determination to stand with you, unwavering determination, to achieve what we both want to achieve, which is a lasting peace, a lasting peace for Ukraine, based on sovereignty and security for Ukraine.”
Zelenskyy expressed his delight at the prospect of meeting King Charles III on Sunday, noting his appreciation for having “strategic partners” like the U.K. He also highlighted the significance of a 100-year partnership agreement signed earlier this year, which underscores London’s commitment to Kyiv.
Starmer’s upcoming summit will address the urgent need for solidifying any future peace deal for Ukraine, especially as the United States appears to be retreating from its longstanding role in European security matters. The British Prime Minister has been actively advocating for tangible security guarantees from Washington to deter any further aggression from Russian President Vladimir Putin, should a peace agreement materialize.
Despite a recent cordial visit to Washington, during which Starmer extended an invitation for a state visit hosted by King Charles and was praised by Trump, concrete outcomes regarding Ukraine were not realized. This was soon followed by the dramatic altercation between Trump and Zelenskyy less than a day later.