UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer warmly welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Downing Street on Saturday, just a day after Zelensky's tense exchange with former US President
Donald Trump in Washington.
"You're very, very welcome here in Downing Street," Starmer told Zelensky. "As you’ve heard from the cheers outside, you have the full backing of the United Kingdom. We stand with you and Ukraine for as long as it takes."
The UK leader emphasized their shared commitment to securing "a lasting peace for Ukraine, based on sovereignty and security," stressing its significance not only for Ukraine but also for Europe and Britain.
Zelensky acknowledged the overwhelming public support, noting the large crowd gathered outside Downing Street. "I want to thank you and the people of the United Kingdom for your unwavering support since the beginning of this war," he said.
He also expressed gratitude for an upcoming meeting with King Charles III. "I'm very happy that His Majesty the King accepted my meeting tomorrow. In Ukraine, we highly value our strategic partnership with the UK, and we continue to count on your support." Photo by Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street, Wikimedia commons.