Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer one day after a meeting with President Donald Trump that ended with questions about Ukraine-U.S. relations.
NBC News’ Megan Fitzgerald reports on how Europe may need to step up and defend Ukraine against another Russia invasion without the aid of the U.S.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy received a warm welcome in London on March 1, 2025, following a tense meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer embraced Zelenskyy at 10 Downing Street, reaffirming the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflicts with Russia.
Starmer assured Zelenskyy of the UK’s commitment, stating, “We stand with you and Ukraine for as long as it may take.”
The meeting occurred one day after a contentious encounter between Zelenskyy and Trump at the White House, where Trump publicly criticized Zelenskyy, raising concerns about future U.S. support.
In contrast, European leaders, including France’s President Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz, have expressed strong backing for Ukraine. Macron emphasized the need for calm and respect, stating, “Everybody needs to calm down, show respect and gratitude, so we can move forward concretely.”
The UK government has demonstrated its support by allocating £2.26 billion in loans for Ukraine’s military procurement, funded through profits from frozen Russian assets. Additionally, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a multibillion-pound funding package to bolster British defense and assist Ukraine’s military efforts. Reeves emphasized the importance of a secure Ukraine for UK security.
Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet King Charles III at Sandringham estate, further strengthening ties between Ukraine and the UK. He will also attend a summit with European leaders to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine, aiming to solidify a unified stance on ending the conflict and ensuring lasting peace and security guarantees.
The contrast between the recent interactions with Trump and European leaders highlights the evolving dynamics of international support for Ukraine. While the U.S. stance appears uncertain, European nations continue to express strong solidarity, emphasizing the importance of unity in addressing the ongoing crisis.