The effusive reward for Zelenskyy — who will meet King Charles III Sunday — comes after a unprecedented public row between the Ukrainian chief, U.S. President Trump and his U.S. Vice President JD Vance. The 2 American leaders subjected Zelenskyy to a tirade of withering abuse within the Oval Workplace, slicing quick a go to that had ostensibly been about signing a minerals deal between Ukraine and the U.S. as Trump’s administration offers instantly with Russia to finish the battle.
In contrast to some European leaders, Starmer has studiously prevented publicly criticizing the Oval Workplace scenes. However he spoke to each Zelenskyy and Trump Friday night time, and, of their assembly Saturday, Starmer sat beside the Ukrainian chief in a scene that echoed the framing of the assembly with Trump.
As Zelenskyy arrived in Downing Avenue, a bunch of pro-Ukrainian demonstrators gathered exterior the gates of the well-known political avenue, cheering Zelenskyy’s convoy as he arrived.
Referring to that reward as soon as inside, Starmer instructed Zelenskyy in entrance of the tv cameras: “I hope you heard a few of that cheering on the street.
“That’s the individuals of the UK popping out to display how a lot they assist you and the way a lot they assist Ukraine, and our absolute dedication to face with you, unwavering dedication, to attain what we each wish to obtain, which is a long-lasting peace, a long-lasting peace for Ukraine, primarily based on sovereignty and safety for Ukraine,” Starmer stated.
Zelenskyy stated he was “very pleased” to be assembly King Charles III on Sunday, was happy that Ukraine had “strategic companions” just like the U.Okay., and he referred to a 100-year partnership signed between the 2 nations earlier this yr geared toward signaling London’s dedication to Kyiv.
