British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday, March 1, 2025. During their meeting at Downing Street, Starmer said Ukraine has "full backing across the United Kingdom." He stressed Britain's "unwavering determination" to achieve lasting peace.
Britain and Ukraine have agreed a loan of 2.26 billion pounds (2.84 billion U.S. dollars) to support Ukraine's defense capabilities, according to Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko.
Zelensky and Starmer, together with British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, held a video call with Marchenko Saturday evening.
"This loan will enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities... The funds will be directed toward weapons production in Ukraine."
Zelensky's visit came ahead of a defense summit Britain is hosting, with European leaders gathering in London on Sunday to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine. Starmer has said he believes such a deal will have to involve the United States.
Zelensky said on social media X shortly before his plane touched down in London earlier Saturday that Ukraine is "ready to sign the minerals agreement" with the United States, but "a ceasefire without security guarantees is dangerous for Ukraine."
Zelensky's visit to Britain followed his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday evening in the White House, where a routine presence in front of a press pool erupted into an unexpected shouting match.
The fiery exchange between the two sides started with an interjection by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who demanded that Zelensky be thankful for Trump's efforts to get his country out of its three-year conflict with Russia.
After the public clash, Zelensky was eventually asked to leave the White House early, leaving the planned minerals deal between the two sides unsigned.
8 Comments
The Truth
Starmer is showing strong leadership during this difficult time. We need to stand with Ukraine against tyranny. 🦁
Answer
Zelensky wants a signed minerals deal with the U.S. but refuses a ceasefire without "security guarantees"? What does that even mean? 🤨
The Truth
Funding weapons production is necessary to ensure Ukraine can defend itself. We can't let them be overrun by Russia. ✊
Answer
Giving Ukraine more money will only prolong the suffering. We need to pressure them to negotiate a ceasefire. 🙅♀️
Coccinella
This loan is a small price to pay for freedom and security. We must stand up to dictators like Putin. 🇬🇧🇺🇦💪
Donatello
Unwavering determination to achieve lasting peace"? Peace talks just broke down, haven't they? 🤨
Michelangelo
Another loan for Ukraine? It seems like they're asking for money all the time. Where's the accountability? 😠
Raphael
This conflict is between Russia and Ukraine. Why are we getting involved? It's not our fight. 🙅♀️