King Charles met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Sandringham House in Norfolk, creating a significant moment in international diplomacy. Zelenskyy arrived by helicopter from London shortly after attending a summit hosted by the UK Prime Minister for European leaders. The meeting, which lasted just under an hour and included refreshments, underscored the ongoing support for Ukraine amidst geopolitical tensions.
The UK government reportedly agreed to the meeting following a request from the Ukrainian president. This comes at a time when political discourse around international support for Ukraine is intensifying, particularly in light of reports suggesting that former US President Donald Trump may consider halting US aid to Ukraine.
"This evening, His Majesty The King received the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in the Saloon at Sandringham House." – Buckingham Palace
King Charles has previously expressed strong support for Ukraine, condemning the "indescribable aggression" faced by its citizens. His meeting with Zelenskyy reflects a continuation of this support, even as debates around a potential second state visit for Donald Trump swirl. The king had extended a personal invitation to Trump as part of a diplomatic initiative, but some politicians and advisers are urging caution.
The Labour peer George Foulkes suggested that "the diplomatic thing would be for the king to find himself busy for the next few months," hinting at the complexities surrounding Trump's potential visit. Concerns were echoed by Tobias Ellwood, who stated:
"It would be inappropriate to place the king in the position of hosting the president if US foreign policy shifts away from its longstanding support for Ukraine towards alignment with Russia’s security objectives."
Alicia Kearns, shadow home affairs minister, also voiced her position:
“No state visit should proceed until the steadfastness of the US’s commitment to her allies is assured. His Majesty should not have to carry the weight of Keir’s diplomatic failings.”
Meanwhile, Scottish National Party leader John Swinney praised Zelenskyy as "the courageous leader of the courageous Ukrainian people," highlighting the importance of international solidarity. However, Swinney criticized what he described as a "completely unacceptable sequence of events" at the White House.
The former Tory leader Michael Howard acknowledged the delicate diplomatic balance at play:
“Sometimes we have to do things we don’t like to try to gain things for our country. We’ve got to see if we can moderate the behaviour of this dreadful administration. [The second state visit] may be one of the ways we can exert a smidgeon of influence.”
Amidst these discussions, former head of MI6 Richard Dearlove advised patience:
"They have got to let the dust settle."