Zelensky finds solidarity in UK as Trump tensions rise

In an emotional show of solidarity, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warmly embraced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and affirmed the U.Okay.’s steadfast assist amidst a tumultuous backdrop, solely a day after Zelenskyy’s contentious encounter with President Donald Trump and JD Vance on the White Home.

Greeted by cheering crowds outdoors of 10 Downing Avenue, Zelensky was welcomed by Starmer with a heartfelt hug earlier than continuing indoors. This key assembly between the leaders occurred shortly earlier than a pivotal gathering of European figures in London to debate European assist for Ukraine, significantly within the face of potential U.S. withdrawal – a matter charged with urgency resulting from Trump’s current, extremely publicized criticism of Zelensky.

“And as you heard from the cheers on the road outdoors, you will have full backing throughout the UK,” Starmer assured Zelensky, voicing enduring dedication to Ukraine’s trigger.

Thanking each Starmer and the folks of Britain, Zelenskyy acknowledged their collective assist and camaraderie. Subsequent to the leaders’ convention, Britain disclosed its choice to extend monetary support to Kyiv, providing a further 2.26 billion-pound ($2.84 billion) mortgage devoted to army purchases, with funds sourced from earnings gained from frozen Russian property.

This gesture of assist signifies Britain’s share within the $50 billion help bundle pledged by the prosperous G-7 nations. Zelenskyy lauded Britain’s motion with gratefulness, articulated via a press release launched on X, saying: “That is true justice – the one who began the conflict have to be the one to pay.”

Starmer had conversations with Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday night following his assembly with Zelensky.

The assembly occurred a day after an unprecedented diplomatic breakdown, throughout which Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly criticized Zelensky within the Oval Workplace for not displaying sufficient gratitude for U.S. assist.

Zelensky was anticipated to signal a deal granting the U.S. entry to mineral wealth as Trump pushed Ukraine to barter a peace settlement with Russia. Nonetheless, he left with out signing something.

Zelensky was initially scheduled to fulfill Starmer on Sunday earlier than the European summit, however their bilateral assembly was seemingly expedited as a result of fallout from the Washington go to. Zelensky is ready to fulfill King Charles III on Sunday earlier than the assembly at Lancaster Home, a historic mansion close to Buckingham Palace.