On Saturday, the UK and Ukraine signed a £2.26 billion loan agreement aimed at boosting Ukraine's defense capabilities. This deal comes in the wake of a heated exchange between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump at the White House. Meeting Zelensky, British Prime Minister stated, 'You have the full support of the United Kingdom.'
This loan will be funded by profits generated from sanctioned Russian sovereign assets. The agreement was signed by UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Ukraine's Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko, with the first tranche expected next week.
A key development occurred during a pivotal European summit discussing peace deals for Ukraine. Prime Minister Keir Starmer assured President Zelensky, 'The entire United Kingdom is with you. We will stand by Ukraine as long as necessary.'
Keir Starmer warmly welcomes Zelensky
While Zelensky faced tense talks with Trump in the Oval Office, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer gave a warm embrace to Zelensky at 10 Downing Street. Zelensky described the meeting as 'encouraging' and appreciated the UK's 'unwavering support' for Ukraine. Starmer reaffirmed that the UK firmly stands with Ukraine.
This meeting happened just before a crucial European summit focusing on peace agreements for Ukraine. Starmer reassured Zelensky, 'All of the United Kingdom stands with you. We will support Ukraine as long as it takes.'
'The entire UK stands with you'
Keir Starmer told Zelensky, 'I hope you heard people cheering for you on the street. These are the people of the United Kingdom, who came to Downing Street to demonstrate their support for you. The UK is determined to stand with you and Ukraine.'
British PM assured Zelensky, 'We are always with you and Ukraine.' The UK has been a strong supporter of Ukraine. On Sunday, King Charles will also meet Zelensky, having praised the 'resolve and courage' of the Ukrainian people on previous occasions.
