Sir Keir Starmer has supplied his “unwavering assist” to Ukraine – saying “we’re at a turning level” following a fiery Oval Workplace alternate between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump.
The prime minister welcomed Mr Zelenskyy to Downing Avenue on Saturday, the place they signed a brand new mortgage deal for Ukraine following his disastrous meeting with the US president on Friday.
On Sunday, the pair will likely be joined by dozens of world leaders for a summit on Ukraine and safety.
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Sir Keir will begin the day by talking to Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, earlier than they’re joined by French President Emmanuel Macron and leaders from international locations together with Germany, Denmark, Norway, Poland, Canada, Finland and Romania.
Turkey’s international minister, the EU’s Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary Common Mark Rutte may even attend.
In an announcement issued forward of the assembly, Sir Keir stated he “will reaffirm my unwavering assist for Ukraine and double down on my dedication to supply capability, coaching and help” – in an effort to put the nation “within the strongest potential place”.
Sir Keir stated it was an ‘honour’ to welcome Mr Zelenskyy to Downing Avenue. Pic: Lauren Hurley/No 10 Downing Avenue
He continued: “In partnership with our allies, we should intensify our preparations for the European aspect of safety ensures alongside continued discussions with the US.
“Now we have a possibility to come back collectively to make sure a simply and lasting peace in Ukraine that secures their sovereignty and safety.
“Now’s the time for us to unite in an effort to assure the very best consequence for Ukraine, shield European safety, and safe our collective future.”
Zelenskyy’s go to to Downing Avenue
Sir Keir’s assertion got here after he welcomed Mr Zelenskyy to Downing Avenue with a hug.
The pair spoke briefly, earlier than Mr Zelenskyy waved at reporters and gave a thumbs up. They then shook palms as they posed for footage exterior the door of No 10.
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As they sat down inside, Sir Keir instructed Mr Zelenskyy: “You might have full backing throughout the UK and we stand with you, with Ukraine, for so long as it could take.
“I hope you heard a few of that cheering on the street,” he continued, saying the cheers signified “our absolute willpower to face with you – unwavering willpower – and to attain what we each wish to obtain, which is an enduring peace.”
Mr Zelenskyy gave a thumbs as much as the ready crowds
Pic: Reuters
Sir Keir added: “A long-lasting peace for Ukraine primarily based on sovereignty and safety for Ukraine – so essential for Ukraine, so essential for Europe and so essential for the UK.”
“So I am a lot trying ahead to our discussions right here this afternoon – thanks very a lot for making the time to come back,” he stated.
Mr Zelenskyy replied that he was “glad to be right here”.
“I wish to thanks, the individuals of the UK and the King,” he stated, noting he will likely be assembly the monarch tomorrow.
“We depend in your assist,” he continued. “We’re actually glad we’ve got such companions and such associates.”
A brand new mortgage deal for Ukraine
Sir Keir and Mr Zelenskyy each posted on X following their assembly, with the British prime minister saying it was an “honour” to welcome the Ukrainian chief to No 10.
He signed off his put up with “Slava Ukraini”, which implies ‘Glory to Ukraine’.
In a lengthier put up, Mr Zelenskyy stated the pair “mentioned the challenges going through Ukraine and all of Europe, coordination with companions, concrete steps to strengthen Ukraine’s place, and ending the warfare with a simply peace, together with sturdy safety ensures”.
The duo will likely be joined by European and EU leaders for additional talks on Sunday. Pic: Lauren Hurley/No 10 Downing Avenue
He additionally introduced a brand new mortgage settlement signed over a videocall right this moment by chancellor Rachel Reeves and Ukrainian finance minister Sergii Marchenko.
The £2.26bn mortgage will “improve Ukraine’s defence capabilities” and “be repaid utilizing revenues from frozen Russian property”, Mr Zelenskyy stated.
Ms Reeves signed the mortgage deal on a videocall with Ukraine’s finance minister Pic: Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Avenue
The Treasury stated: “The mortgage demonstrates the UK’s dedication to Ukrainian defence. A robust Ukraine is significant to UK nationwide safety.”
In addition to welcoming Mr Zelenskyy, Sir Keir has spoken to US President Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron right this moment.
Sky Information understands the calls had been constructive and targeted on discovering a approach ahead.
Two solely completely different White Home conferences
Each the Ukrainian president and the British prime minister visited the White Home this week – however the two conferences had very completely different outcomes.
Watch Trump and Zelenskyy conflict
Sir Keir received over Mr Trump within the Oval Workplace on Thursday as he introduced the US president with a letter from the King, inviting him to the UK for an historic second state go to. However Mr Zelenskyy’s assembly in the identical room – simply 24 hours later – descended into a fiery shouting match.
The Ukrainian president had travelled to Washington DC to aim to safe a Russia ceasefire settlement and a possible mineral deal with the US.
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His first engagement on the White Home was a sit down with Mr Trump and his vp JD Vance – which ended with the pair accusing Mr Zelenskyy of being “disrespectful” and “playing with World Warfare Three”.
The Ukrainian president then left early and the remainder of the day’s engagements, together with a information convention, had been rapidly cancelled.
His aircraft, emblazoned with the Ukrainian flag, touched down at London’s Stansted airport and was met by a convoy of automobiles this morning.
