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Starmer hugs Zelenskyy ahead of crisis talks at No 10
Volodymyr Zelenskyy was greeted at Downing Street with a hug from Sir Keir Starmer as he arrived for crisis talks following his disastrous meeting with Donald Trump.
Mr Zelenskyy smiled as Sir Keir welcomed him with a handshake and a hug.
The pair spoke briefly, before Mr Zelenskyy waved at reporters and gave a thumbs up. They then shook hands as they posed for pictures outside the door of No 10.
Ukraine latest: Zelenskyy to meet King Charles tomorrow
As they sat down inside, Sir Keir told Mr Zelenskyy: “You have full backing across the United Kingdom and we stand with you, with Ukraine, for as long as it may take.
“I hope you heard some of that cheering in the street,” he continued. “That is the people of the United Kingdom coming out to demonstrate how much they support you, how much they support Ukraine, and our absolute determination to stand with you – unwavering determination – and to achieve what we both want to achieve, which is a lasting peace.”
Mr Zelenskyy gave a thumbs up to the waiting crowds
Pic: Reuters
Sir Keir added: “A lasting peace for Ukraine based on sovereignty and security for Ukraine – so important for Ukraine, so important for Europe and so important for the United Kingdom.”
“So I’m much looking forward to our discussions here this afternoon – thank you very much for making the time to come,” he said.
Sir Keir said it was an ‘honour’ to welcome Mr Zelenskyy to Downing Street. Pic: Lauren Hurley/No 10 Downing Street
Pic: PA
Mr Zelenskyy replied that he was “happy to be here”.
“I want to thank you, the people of the United Kingdom and the King,” he said, noting he will be meeting the monarch tomorrow.
“We count on your support,” he continued. “We’re really happy we have such partners and such friends.”
A new loan deal for Ukraine
Sir Keir and Mr Zelenskyy both posted on X following their meeting, with the British prime minister saying it was an “honour” to welcome the Ukrainian leader to No 10.
He signed off his post with “Slava Ukraini”, which means ‘Glory to Ukraine’.
In a lengthier post, Mr Zelenskyy said the pair “discussed the challenges facing Ukraine and all of Europe, coordination with partners, concrete steps to strengthen Ukraine’s position, and ending the war with a just peace, along with robust security guarantees”.
The duo will be joined by European and EU leaders for further talks on Sunday. Pic: Lauren Hurley/No 10 Downing Street
He also announced a new loan agreement signed over a videocall today by chancellor Rachel Reeves and Ukrainian finance minister Sergii Marchenko.
The £2.26bn loan will “enhance Ukraine’s defence capabilities” and “be repaid using revenues from frozen Russian assets”, Mr Zelenskyy said.
Ms Reeves signed the loan deal on a videocall with Ukraine’s finance minister Pic: Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street
The Treasury said: “The loan demonstrates the UK’s commitment to Ukrainian defence. A strong Ukraine is vital to UK national security.”
As well as welcoming Mr Zelenskyy, Sir Keir has spoken to US President Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron today.
Sky News understands the calls were constructive and focused on finding a way forward.
On Sunday, more than a dozen European and EU leaders will join Sir Keir and Mr Zelenskyy in London for a summit on the Ukraine war and security.
Two entirely different White House meetings
Both the Ukrainian president and the British prime minister visited the White House this week – but the two meetings had very different outcomes.
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Watch Trump and Zelenskyy clash
Sir Keir won over Mr Trump in the Oval Office on Thursday as he presented the US president with a letter from the King, inviting him to the UK for an historic second state visit. But Mr Zelenskyy’s meeting in the same room – just 24 hours later – descended into a fiery shouting match.
The Ukrainian president had travelled to Washington DC to attempt to secure a Russia ceasefire agreement and a possible mineral deal with the US.
Read more:
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His first engagement at the White House was a sit down with Mr Trump and his vice president JD Vance – which ended with the pair accusing Mr Zelenskyy of being “disrespectful” and “gambling with World War Three”.
The Ukrainian president then left early and the rest of the day’s engagements, including a news conference, were hastily cancelled.
His plane, emblazoned with the Ukrainian flag, touched down at London’s Stansted airport and was met by a convoy of cars this morning.
