British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomes President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy outside 10 Downing Street. Photo Wiktor Szymanowicz / Future Publishing via Getty Images

‘We stand with you’: Zelenskyy welcomed to UK after tense White House exit

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World

Author: AFP,
Publish Date: Sun, 2 Mar 2025, 8:31am

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing St today.
Supporters cheered as Zelenskyy’s convoy arrived, and he was embraced by Starmer.
The meeting followed Zelenskyy’s clash with US President Donald Trump.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at Downing St in London for talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday following the Ukrainian leader’s clash with US President Donald Trump.

The two political leaders shared a hug as they met outside the black door of No 10 Downing St. The Prime Minister, who usually stands at the doorstep of No 10, walked towards Zelenskyy to meet him as he arrived. They approached the front door together after exchanging warm words.

Sir Keir walked to greet Zelenskyy as he arrived at Downing St ahead of a European leader's summit tomorrow. Photo / AFP

“You’re very, very welcome here in Downing Street,” Starmer told Zelensky. “And 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 both leaders wanted to achieve “a lasting peace for Ukraine, based on sovereignty and security for Ukraine – so important for Europe and so important for the United Kingdom”.

UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy shake hands during a bilateral meeting at 10 Downing Street. Photo /Getty Images

Zelenskyy responded that had seen the hundreds of supporters gathered outside Downing Street, and that “I want to thank you, the people of the United Kingdom, for such big support from the very beginning of this war”.

“I’m very happy that his majesty the King accepted my meeting tomorrow and we are very happy in Ukraine that we have such a strategic partner,” he added. “We count on your support.”

He expressed optimism about a summit to be held tomorrow in London with European leaders.

Zelenskyy wore a black long-sleeved shirt featuring the coat of arms of Ukraine, a golden trident, and black cargo trousers, the same outfit which drew criticism from a reporter when he met US President Donald Trump.

- with Daily Telegraph UK

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