STORY
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited 10 Downing Street today for high-level talks with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, just 24 hours before a pivotal meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Arriving to a warm welcome outside the famous black door, Zelenskyy was greeted with a warm handshake and brief exchange before the two leaders moved inside for discussions lasting around an hour.
The talks covered a wide range of issues, including long-term security guarantees for Ukraine, expansion of drone production and the UK’s role in the PURL weapons supply programme. The pair also discussed the 100-year UK–Ukraine partnership, reflecting both sides’ desire for deep and enduring ties. Starmer reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to defending Ukraine’s territorial integrity and emphasised that the UK would be ready to intensify pressure on Russia if required.
The visit takes place against a backdrop of continued Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, alongside Ukrainian counterattacks targeting Russian oil facilities. With Trump signalling openness to the idea of security guarantees for Kyiv but offering few specifics, the London meeting is widely seen as a move by Zelenskyy to secure strong backing from the UK and the EU before potentially decisive talks between Washington and Moscow.