Zelenskyy receives warm UK welcome after row with Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was warmly embraced by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday, March 1, as they met at 10 Downing Street.

This show of solidarity came just one day after a public clash between Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump at the White House, a confrontation that had drawn international attention.

Upon arriving in London, Zelenskyy was met with cheers from a crowd of supporters gathered outside Downing Street. Starmer, in a display of strong support for Ukraine, told Zelenskyy, "You have full backing across the United Kingdom. We stand with you, with Ukraine, for as long as it may take."

The bilateral meeting between the two leaders came ahead of a summit on Sunday, where European leaders will discuss strengthening support for Ukraine and the continent's security, particularly in light of concerns about the future of US backing.

The recent tension between Zelenskyy and Trump has intensified the urgency for European nations to consider taking a larger role in Ukraine’s defence.

"I want to thank you, the people of the United Kingdom, for such big support from the very beginning of this war," Zelenskyy said in response to the warm reception. "We count on your support." The UK and Ukraine also unveiled a £2.26 billion ($2.84 billion) loan agreement to bolster Ukraine’s defence capabilities, which will be repaid through the profits from immobilised Russian assets.

Starmer’s office confirmed that, after meeting with Zelenskyy, the Prime Minister had spoken to both Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron to continue coordination on supporting Ukraine.

In a statement, Starmer emphasised the need for Europe to collaborate with the US to guarantee the best outcome for Ukraine, the continent’s security, and their collective future.

The meeting with Zelenskyy came just a day after an explosive confrontation between the Ukrainian leader and Trump in the Oval Office.

During the televised encounter, Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly criticised Zelenskyy, accusing him of failing to show sufficient gratitude for US support.

Trump further claimed Zelenskyy had "disrespected" the United States, adding that Ukraine’s future aid would be contingent on the Ukrainian president accepting the US’s proposed peace terms.

The altercation left many European leaders shocked, with several reaffirming their support for Zelenskyy. EU leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian president, emphasising that Ukraine was “never alone.” French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed Russia's role as the "aggressor" and reiterated the EU’s continued support for Ukraine.

In stark contrast, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, sided with Trump, praising the former US president for taking a strong stand for peace.

This political divide highlights the growing tension over the future of Ukraine’s support and the potential for European nations to step up their defence capabilities.

Ahead of the European summit, which will focus on securing a lasting peace for Ukraine and addressing European defence concerns, the developments in Washington have amplified the stakes.

Europe’s ability to support Ukraine without US assistance has become a critical issue as the war with Russia enters its fourth year.

Despite the acrimonious row with Trump, Zelenskyy remains open to future negotiations with the US, underscoring the continued importance of the US-Ukraine relationship, even amid tense exchanges.