Zelensky 'very welcome in UK', Starmer says, in surge of support
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Volodymyr Zelensky and Keir Starmer hold a private meeting in the United Kingdom amid tensions between Ukraine and the US.
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Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, greets Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky in Downing Street, London, England, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP)
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at his Downing Street office on Saturday, a day after Zelensky’s tense dispute with US President Donald Trump.
As Zelensky's convoy arrived, supporters cheered, and Starmer greeted him with an embrace before they posed for photographs and proceeded inside. "You're very, very welcome here in Downing Street," Starmer told the Ukrainian leader.
He emphasized the UK's unwavering support, noting, "As you've heard from the cheers street outside, you have full backing across the United Kingdom, and we stand with you with Ukraine for as long as it may take."
Starmer said their discussions focused on achieving "a lasting peace for Ukraine," built on sovereignty and security—reportedly crucial for both Europe and the United Kingdom.
Zelensky, in turn, acknowledged the strong public support, saying, "I want to thank you and the people of the United Kingdom for standing with us from the very start of this war."
He also expressed gratitude for an upcoming meeting with King Charles, describing the UK as a key strategic ally, saying "We count on your support."
The two leaders held a closed-door meeting for about 75 minutes before Starmer escorted Zelensky to his car, sharing another embrace before his departure.
Western allies unite behind Zelensky as Trump’s dispute strains EU ties
US allies in Europe, already concerned that President Donald Trump might pressure Ukraine into conceding to Russian President Vladimir Putin, quickly rallied around Zelensky.
“You are not alone,” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, fresh from his visit to the White House, revealed he had spoken with both Trump and Zelensky following the confrontation, affirming "unwavering support" for Ukraine.
Far-right Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for an immediate summit between the US, Europe, and allies on Ukraine.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas expressed support for Kiev, saying, "Ukraine is Europe!"
In a post on X, she said: "We stand by Ukraine. We will step up our support to Ukraine so that they can continue to fight back the aggressor."
She also asserted that today has proven that "the free world needs a new leader. It’s up to us, Europeans, to take this challenge."
Similarly, the President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the European Council, António Costa, jointly expressed support for Zelensky, calling on him to be strong, brave, fearless and vowing: "You are never alone."
"We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace," they jointly said in an X post.
Read more: Orban urges EU to hold talks with Moscow, opposes bloc-Kiev accord
