Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (left) and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer meet in London on March 1, 2025.Photo:Peter Nicholls - WPA Pool/Getty
Peter Nicholls - WPA Pool/Getty
Ukrainian PresidentVolodymyr Zelenskyywas visibly emotional while speaking with British Prime MinisterKeir Starmerjust a day after hisheated White House exchangewith U.S. PresidentDonald Trump.
After the leaders’ embrace, Zelenskyy could be seen waving and flashing a thumbs-up at the crowd gathered outside of the Westminster residences. As the duo chatted and posed for photos, reporters in the crowd peppered Zelenskyy with questions about Trump, 78, which he ignored.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (left) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hug in London on March 1, 2025.Peter Nicholls/Getty
Peter Nicholls/Getty
The U.K. and Ukraine leaders then walked arm in arm and shook hands before heading inside Downing Street for a conversation that was almost immediately emotional.
“Well, let me just say that you’re very, very welcome here in Downing Street, and as you heard from the cheers on the street outside, you have full backing across the United Kingdom,” Starmer told Zelenskyy.
“And we stand with you and Ukraine for as long as it may take, and I hope you heard some of that cheering in the street,” the prime minister continued as Zelenskyy grew teary at the show of support.
Starmer went on to say that the cheering at Zelenskyy’s arrival was “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 — a lasting peace based on sovereignty and security for Ukraine.”
In response, Zelenskyy thanked the prime minister and “people of the United Kingdom” — including those who had gathered to welcome him in London earlier in the day — for their longtime and enthusiastic support amidthe Russia-Ukraine war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (left) and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on March 1, 2025.Peter Nicholls - WPA Pool/Getty
The leaders’ meeting comes a day before Zelenskyy is also slated to meet withKing Charles, and a day after his high-stakes visit to the White House turned sour.
On Friday, Feb. 28, the Ukrainian president met with Trump and Vice PresidentJ.D. Vance, and their discussion quickly turned tense when the group began discussing U.S. support for Ukraine amid attempts to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
Trump and Vance, 40, began berating Zelenskyy as Vance accused him of being “disrespectful” for trying to litigate U.S.-Ukraine policy in front of American journalists. “You should be thanking the president for trying to bring you into this conference,” he told Zelenskyy.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (left) meets with U.S. President Donald Trump on Feb. 28, 2025.SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty
SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty
At another point during the meeting, Trump brought up “World War III” and accused Zelenskyy of “gambling with the lives of millions of people.” He also accused Zelenskyy of becoming too close to former PresidentJoe Biden— whom he called “stupid.”
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Zelenskyy’s visit abruptly ended with the leadercanceling his planned appearances in Washington, D.C., and with both he and Trump sharing statements on social media.
The Ukrainian president shared a simple message of gratitude. Trump, meanwhile, claimed the leader “disrespected” America in astatementshared on Truth Social. The U.S. president said he has “determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations.”
source: people.com
