You’re Very, Very Welcome Here: UK PM Starmer to Zelenskyy after Trump Clash
In a show of solidarity and support, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Downing Street, just days after the latter engaged in a heated verbal spat with US President Donald Trump. The meeting, which took place on Saturday, March 1, 2025, marked a significant moment in the ongoing diplomatic tension between the three nations.
As Zelenskyy arrived at Downing Street, he was greeted by a sea of cheering protesters, who had gathered to show their support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. Starmer, who hosted the meeting, was visibly moved by the display, remarking, “I hope you heard some of that cheering…That is the people…coming out to demonstrate how much they support you.”
The meeting between Starmer and Zelenskyy was a hastily arranged one, following the controversy that erupted after Trump publicly criticized Zelenskyy’s handling of the conflict in Ukraine. Trump’s comments, which were widely seen as dismissive and insensitive, sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from around the world.
In response to the backlash, Zelenskyy had tweeted, “I am the President of Ukraine, not a puppet. I am not a puppet, I am not a clown, I am the President of Ukraine. And I will not be treated like that.” The tweet was met with widespread support and applause, with many hailing Zelenskyy as a champion of Ukrainian sovereignty and democracy.
Starmer’s warm welcome to Zelenskyy was seen as a significant gesture of support, following the US President’s controversial comments. The UK Prime Minister has been vocal in his criticism of Trump’s remarks, and has repeatedly stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed a range of issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the need for continued international support and solidarity. Zelenskyy was also accompanied by a delegation of Ukrainian officials, who met with their UK counterparts to discuss various aspects of bilateral cooperation.
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the signing of a £2.26 billion loan agreement between Ukraine and the UK. The loan, which was announced during the meeting, is designed to support Ukraine’s economic recovery and development, and is seen as a significant boost to the country’s efforts to rebuild and recover from the ongoing conflict.
The loan agreement was hailed as a major success by both the UK and Ukrainian governments, and was seen as a testament to the strong bond of friendship and cooperation between the two nations. The agreement also marked a significant moment in the ongoing relationship between the UK and Ukraine, and was seen as a major step forward in terms of bilateral cooperation and partnership.
In a statement following the meeting, Starmer stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia, and reiterated the UK’s commitment to standing alongside the Ukrainian people in their hour of need. “The UK stands in solidarity with Ukraine and its people, and we will continue to do everything in our power to support them in their fight for freedom and democracy,” he said.
Zelenskyy, meanwhile, thanked Starmer and the UK government for their continued support and solidarity, and hailed the loan agreement as a major boost to Ukraine’s economic recovery. “We are grateful for the UK’s continued support and solidarity, and we look forward to continuing our close cooperation and partnership in the months and years ahead,” he said.
In conclusion, the meeting between Starmer and Zelenskyy marked a significant moment in the ongoing diplomatic tension between the UK, US, and Ukraine. The warm welcome extended to Zelenskyy by Starmer was seen as a significant gesture of support, following the controversy sparked by Trump’s comments. The signing of the £2.26 billion loan agreement, meanwhile, marked a major step forward in terms of bilateral cooperation and partnership between the UK and Ukraine.
As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the meeting between Starmer and Zelenskyy serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of international solidarity and cooperation. It is a powerful reminder that, even in the face of adversity and challenge, the bonds of friendship and partnership can be a powerful force for good.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraines-zelenskiy-meet-uk-pm-starmer-saturday-2025-03-01/
