Zelenskyy Meets British PM Starmer In London, Day After White House Showdown With Trump

London: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy , a day after unprecedented White House showdown with Donald Trump , met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London on Saturday. Starmer received Zelenskyy at 10 Downing Street as the two leaders exchanged compliments with a handshake and embraced each other while posing for pictures.

Two leaders exchanged pleasantries amid shouting questions from the press asking Zelenskyy about his views and message to US President Donald Trump who accused him of gambling with World War 3 as he was not ready for a ceasefire.   

Receiving Ukrainian President, who travelled straight to London cutting short his Washington visit following ugly spat with Trump at White House, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “You are welcome here and we stand with you. We must achieve lasting peace in Ukraine.”

Starmer reiterated that they are standing with Ukraine as long as it may take and assured for "unwavering determination" to achieve a lasting peace for Ukraine.

Zelenskyy thanked UK PM Starmer for the support and also King Charles III for accepting a meeting with him tomorrow, saying he's happy to have such partners and friends.

Starmer also shared a video where he hugged him at 10 Downing Street as he received Zelenskyy and wrote, “Action, not just words. Britain stands with Ukraine today and always.”

The meeting comes ahead of a European leaders' summit, where discussions will focus way forward on Russia-Ukraine war and peace deal.

Europe comes out in strong support for Ukraine

Witnessing the blowout between Trump and Zelenskyy, many European leaders have come out in strong support of Ukrainian President.

European leaders including UK PM Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Merz, who is likely to be the next leader of Germany, European Union Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas, European President Ursula von der Leyen among others rallied behind Zelenskyy.

Macron said that it was essential to respect the Ukrainians “fighting for their dignity, their independence for their children and for the security of Europe.”

European President Ursula Von der Leyen, who was recently in India, asked Zelenskyy to be strong, brave and fearless as he was not alone.