Zelensky to meet European leaders and King Charles

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet European leaders in London on Sunday, along with King Charles.

His dramatic clash with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office has shaken Western allies. The fallout has cast serious doubts over the future of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Zelensky arrived in Britain on Saturday for crucial talks. Western leaders had hoped to build momentum toward a peace deal, but those efforts collapsed in just a few tense minutes on Friday. Now, they’re looking to get negotiations back on track.

A day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s public altercation with US President Donald Trump at the White House, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer embraced Zelenskyy and assured him of the country’s steadfast support.

Starmer to Zelensky: We stand with you, with Ukraine

Starmer said, “You’re very, very welcome here in Downing Street. And as you heard from the cheers on the street outside, you have full backing across the United Kingdom. We stand with you, with Ukraine , for as long as it may take.”

Zelenskyy acknowledged the hundreds of supporters gathered outside Downing Street, saying, “I want to thank you, the people of the United Kingdom, for such big support from the very beginning of this war.”

He also expressed gratitude for the upcoming meeting, saying, “I’m very happy that his majesty the king accepted my meeting tomorrow, and we are very happy in Ukraine that we have such a strategic partner. We count on your support.”

Sunday’s summit will also focus on the need for Europe to strengthen defense cooperation, amid growing concerns about whether the U.S. will continue to support Ukraine or NATO.

$2.8 billion loans to Ukraine

Zelensky and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met in Downing Street on Saturday. They agreed to expedite $2.8 billion (£2.26 billion) in loans to Ukraine. The UK government plans to distribute the first financial tranche next week.

It was signed to support Ukraine’s defense capabilities, which was called a sign of “our unwavering and ongoing support for the Ukrainian people.”

The loan aims to help Ukraine manage military spending, boost its economy, and fund reconstruction during the conflict. This loan is part of the UK’s wider effort to support Ukraine’s defense, recovery, and sovereignty.

French President Emmanuel Macron has said he’s open to discussing a possible European nuclear deterrent. Friedrich Merz, expected to become the future chancellor of Germany, made the request. Merz has underlined how urgent it is for Europe to move quickly toward greater defense independence from the US.