Despite being cast adrift by US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has found unwavering support from European leaders. Britain, France, and other key allies have reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
The recent meeting at the White House between Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Zelensky was fraught with tension, culminating in an unprecedented diplomatic rebuke, reports AFP.
What was meant to be a high-profile signing of a US-Ukraine mineral resource agreement ended without resolution, the scheduled joint press conference was cancelled, and Zelensky and his delegation were not accorded customary hospitality.
Following this discord, Zelensky promptly departed for Britain, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed him with open arms at 10 Downing Street.
According to the BBC, Starmer assured him that Britain and Europe stood firmly beside Ukraine, reiterating their enduring commitment to Kyiv’s sovereignty and security.
Upon his arrival at Downing Street, Zelensky was warmly embraced by Starmer, who announced a substantial $2.84 billion loan to bolster Ukraine’s defence infrastructure.
The agreement was formalised on Saturday, underscoring Britain’s unwavering military and financial support.
"You are most welcome here at Downing Street," Starmer told Zelensky, adding, "As you heard the cheers outside, know that across the United Kingdom, you have our full support. We will stand with you and Ukraine for as long as it takes".
Expressing his gratitude, Zelensky stated that the loan would reinforce Ukraine’s defence capabilities, specifically for arms production.
He vowed to repay the loan through funds generated by confiscating Russian assets, asserting, "Justice demands that those who initiated this war bear its costs".
Britain, France and Ukraine to draft ceasefire plan
In response to Trump’s unilateral approach to ending the war, Britain, France, and Ukraine have resolved to formulate a joint ceasefire strategy, according to Reuters and the Associated Press.
Starmer, reflecting on the White House altercation, admitted feeling "uneasy" witnessing Trump and Zelensky’s heated exchange.
This prompted his decision to intervene.
He now aims to mediate future discussions between the two leaders to facilitate renewed negotiations.
He further disclosed that Britain and France would collaborate with Ukraine to draft a peace settlement before presenting it to the United States for consideration.
Europe’s leading figures have publicly affirmed their solidarity with Ukraine.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared on social media, "Dear Zelensky, dear friends in Ukraine, you are not alone".
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez echoed this sentiment, posting on X, "Spain stands with Ukraine".
French President Emmanuel Macron reinforced this commitment, labelling Russia as the aggressor and Ukraine as the victim. ‘From the beginning, those who resist deserve our utmost respect". he stated.
Germany’s future Chancellor Friedrich Merz voiced similar support, asserting, "We stand with Ukraine in both good times and hardship. There must be no confusion between the aggressor and the victim in this war.’
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock went a step further, directly criticising Trump’s stance, warning that his policies risk plunging the world into ‘a new dark era.’
Against the backdrop of the failed Trump-Zelensky talks and shifting US policy, European leaders are convening in London to discuss strengthening security measures and enhancing support for Ukraine.
Representatives from over a dozen European nations, including France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Turkey, NATO, and the European Union, are set to participate.
According to Al Jazeera, the summit will focus on increasing military assistance to Ukraine while intensifying economic pressure on Russia.
Discussions will also cover long-term peace agreements, deterrence strategies against Russian aggression, and bolstering Ukraine’s security assurances.
Among the key attendees already in London are French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Additionally, leaders from Germany, Poland, the Baltic states, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Balkans, and Eastern Europe are expected to join the summit.
This meeting precedes another high-profile gathering scheduled for Thursday in Brussels, where the European Commission is anticipated to unveil a new defence package aimed at fortifying Europe’s military preparedness, with Ukraine’s security as a central agenda item.
