During their discussion at Downing Street, Starmer assured Zelensky that he has “full backing across the United Kingdom.”
“As you heard from the cheers on the street outside, 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 on the street,” Starmer said. “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.”
"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,” Starmer added.
Zelensky expressed gratitude for the UK’s continued support, saying, "I saw a lot of people and I want to thank you, the people of the United Kingdom, [for] such big support from the very beginning of this war.”
The announcement follows a fiery meeting between Zelensky, US President Donald Trump, and Vice President JD Vance in the Oval Office on Friday, where the leaders clashed over continued American military aid to Ukraine. Trump repeatedly expressed frustration over Zelensky’s reluctance to negotiate peace with Russia, warning that Ukraine is “gambling with World War Three” during the meeting.
Starmer has reportedly been working to mediate between the US and European nations, speaking with both leaders after the Oval Office meeting. A spokesman said that the prime minister is “doing all he can to find a path forward to a lasting peace,” according to the Daily Mail.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has urged Zelensky to repair his relationship with Trump.
“It is important that President Zelensky finds a way to restore his relationship with the American President and with the senior American leadership team,” Rutte told the BBC on Sunday as he commented on a call he had with Zelensky one day prior.
