London: UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Downing Street, reaffirming the UK’s full backing for Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia. Their meeting followed Zelensky’s tense encounter with former US President Donald Trump, which ended in a heated exchange.
During the London visit, Starmer and Zelensky signed a £2.26bn loan agreement to fund Ukrainian military supplies, with repayment sourced from profits of frozen Russian assets.
The Ukrainian leader praised the UK’s “tremendous” support, calling the financial arrangement “true justice,” as Russia is made to bear the cost of its own aggression.
The visit also comes as Starmer positions himself as a bridge between Europe and the US in addressing Ukraine’s security needs. He recently met with Trump, delivering a letter from King Charles III inviting the former president for a second state visit, despite criticism from SNP MPs following Trump’s dispute with Zelensky.
My support for Ukraine is unwavering.
The UK stands with you, @ZelenskyyUa. pic.twitter.com/PsVKyRHKvx
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) March 1, 2025
Zelensky’s trip includes a scheduled meeting with King Charles III on Sunday, 2nd of March, requested by the Ukrainian president and approved by the UK government.
Meanwhile, Starmer is set to host a summit in London, bringing together European leaders—including those from France, Germany, and Poland—alongside NATO’s secretary general and EU leaders, to discuss strengthening European defence and securing future guarantees for Ukraine.
The summit follows growing concerns over US policy shifts, as the Trump administration moves to distance itself from direct military support for Ukraine.
Reports suggest Trump may consider cutting off aid altogether, instead offering Ukraine economic ties, including a minerals deal, as a deterrent to further Russian aggression.
European nations are now exploring ways to bolster their own defence capabilities. Starmer previously proposed deploying British troops to Ukraine as part of a European peacekeeping force, contingent on a US security backstop. However, experts warn that the UK’s military is not yet prepared to take on an expanded defence role.
With tensions high, Sunday’s summit is expected to shape Europe’s strategic response as the US recalibrates its position on the war. A special European Commission defence package is set to be announced on March 6, according to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
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