Sir Keir Starmer has pledged a £2.26 billion weapons package to Ukraine following a "meaningful and warm" meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky.
Starmer told the Ukrainian president that he has "full backing across the United Kingdom" as the two men met at No 10 Downing Street. Zelensky told the prime minister, "We count on your support."
The Ukrainian president's meeting comes a day after his explosive White House clash with US President Donald Trump.
In contrast to the terse exchange in the Oval Office, the meeting between Starmer and the Ukrainian president appeared warm.
Zelensky hailed a "meaningful and warm meeting" with Starmer. He said the UK and Ukraine signed a loan agreement to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities, with repayment coming from revenues from frozen Russian assets that will fund weapons production in Ukraine.
Ukraine's finance minister said the loan was valued at £2.26 billion.
Zelensky will also meet with King Charles on Sunday ahead of a defense summit with European leaders in London.
The US president claimed Zelensky was "gambling with World War Three" in a series of heated exchanges on Friday which were broadcast around the world.
6 Comments
Karamba
Our leadership’s arrogance is astonishing—making risky choices with public money without genuine citizen consultation.
Rotfront
Shifting responsibility onto frozen Russian assets for repayment seems speculative and disingenuous at best.
Matzomaster
Starmer promising billions overseas while ordinary UK citizens have to use food banks—shocking irresponsibility.
Karamba
Rather than playing war hero, Keir Starmer should focus on the numerous issues at home.
Matzomaster
This kind of funding just escalates tensions with Russia and brings the UK closer to a world war.
Barachiel
Glad we’re not intimidated by threats from dictators. Genuine leadership shown by the UK with this funding.