Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in the United Kingdom this weekend, where he was greeted with enthusiastic support from the British public and officials alike. His visit comes ahead of an important defence summit aimed at discussing Europe’s military backing for Ukraine and reinforcing NATO’s strength amidst ongoing tensions with Russia. The summit, hosted by UK Labour leader Keir Starmer, will include heads of government from various European nations as well as leaders from Canada and Turkey.
The primary focus of the upcoming meeting is to present a united front regarding the Ukraine crisis. Zelenskyy’s discussions will center on increasing economic pressure on Russia to weaken President Vladimir Putin's military capabilities. European leaders are increasingly concerned about a rift with the United States over security and trade, which they believe poses an existential threat to the European Union.
Zelenskyy’s arrival was marked by cheers from crowds gathered on Whitehall, demonstrating the strong support for Ukraine among the British public. During his visit, he expressed gratitude for the bipartisan support from the American people and their political leaders, including former President Donald Trump, who provided a platform for Ukraine in the Oval Office despite some contentious exchanges.
The draft text for the summit emphasizes that “there can be no negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine,” highlighting the necessity of including Ukrainian perspectives in discussions about its future. An EU diplomat stated, “If this is not a wake-up call, then I don’t know what is. It is extremely important that the EU now moves from talking the talk to also walking the walk in a much more focused and diligent way.”
Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with King Charles III at Sandringham on Sunday, marking a significant moment in his visit. The royal audience granted to him parallels that of Donald Trump, who was also invited for a second state visit to the UK. This gesture underscores the UK's commitment to supporting Ukraine during this critical time.
In a statement reflecting on his visit, Zelenskyy said, “We count on your support, and we’re really happy that we have such partners and such friends.” He also expressed his appreciation for the British public's support, stating, “God bless Great Britain and long live the king.”
As discussions progress at the summit, expected topics include unlocking billions of pounds of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine. Leaders aim to develop strategies to bolster Ukraine’s defense while simultaneously ensuring that European security is preserved.
Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of unity during this pivotal moment. He noted, “Three years on from Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, we are at a turning point. Now is the time for us to unite in order to guarantee the best outcome for Ukraine, protect European security and secure our collective future.” He further added that the visible support from the British people serves as a strong message of solidarity: “the people of the United Kingdom coming out to demonstrate how much they support you, how much they support Ukraine.”