Starmer hugs Zelensky after a spat with Trump

New Delhi, 1st March 2025: Starmer hugs Zelensky after the fight with Trump. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warmly welcomed the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky arrived in London after a heated debate with Donald Trump at the White House. Here he met Keir Starmer. War and peace were discussed between the two leaders. Britain reiterates its support for Ukraine. Starmer said Britain “always stands with Ukraine”.

Zelensky had a bitter argument with Donald Trump in the White House where Trump suggested Ukraine making peace with Russia and the war. This led to an argument and ended on quite a sour note with Trump withholding a minerals trade agreement meant to strengthen the economic and defense ties between Washington and Kyiv. After this Zelensky visited the UK and was welcomed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Zelenskyy’s visit to London was met with enthusiastic support. As he arrived at 10 Downing Street, crowds cheered in solidarity. “I hope you heard some of that cheering in the street. That is the people of the United Kingdom coming out to demonstrate how much they support you and our absolute determination to stand with you,” Starmer told him.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had an “important and warm conversation” with British Prime Minister Kiir Starmer. During this time, discussions were held on strengthening Ukraine’s position and securing reliable security guarantees. We discussed the challenges facing Ukraine and the whole of Europe, coordination with our partners, concrete steps to strengthen Ukraine’s position, and ending the war in a just manner with credible security guarantees. It is an honor for me to welcome Zelensky to Downing Street and to reiterate my unwavering support for Ukraine,” Starmer said. I am determined to find a path that will end Russia’s illegal war and ensure a just and lasting peace, Ukraine’s future sovereignty and security”.

Meanwhile, a loan agreement of 2.26 billion pounds was agreed between Ukraine and Britain. British Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Ukraine’s Finance Minister Sergio Marchenko signed a loan agreement worth 2.26 billion pounds ($2.84 billion). The first tranche of the loan is expected to be delivered to Ukraine next week.

“The funds will be directed toward weapons production in Ukraine,” Zelensky said on X, adding, “I thank the people and government of the United Kingdom for their tremendous support from the very beginning of this war.”

In a statement, Zelensky said of Trump: “Despite the tough dialogue, we remain strategic partners. But we need to be honest and direct with each other to truly understand our shared goals.”