Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Downing Street as Ukraine seeks to bolster European backing for its ongoing conflict with Russia.
During the meeting, Zelensky outlined his strategic “victory plan,” while Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s “steadfast commitment” to supporting Ukraine’s war efforts.
The talks take place as Ukraine enters a critical phase of the war, now approaching its third winter of conflict with Russia. The meeting also comes ahead of the 2024 US presidential election, with concerns that Donald Trump, seen as less supportive of Ukraine, could return to office.
NATO’s new Secretary General, Mark Rutte, also joined the discussions to offer broader alliance support to Ukraine.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte held a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in London, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to visit France and Italy next as part of his European tour to secure further support for Ukraine.
A red carpet was rolled out at Downing Street for Zelensky’s arrival, where he and Starmer shared a handshake and an embrace on the steps of No. 10.
Speaking at Downing Street, Zelensky expressed gratitude, saying, “Thanks to the people of the UK, your great country, for your [strength in us] from the start of this war.”
The Ukrainian president also shared insights into Ukraine’s so-called “victory plan,” outlining a strategy for the next phase of the war. Zelensky has been working to rally renewed Western backing for his country’s war effort in recent weeks.
While full details of the plan remain undisclosed, it hinges on securing increased Western support and security assurances. This includes defining a clear pathway for Ukraine’s NATO membership and lifting restrictions on the use of Western-supplied long-range weapons.
Sir Keir Starmer underscored the UK’s commitment, saying, “It’s very important we continue to support Ukraine, and this meeting was an opportunity to go through the plan in more detail.”
“This is a critical fight, not just for Ukraine, but for us as well,” the prime minister added.
Senior British defense officials, including the head of the armed forces, the defense secretary, and the prime minister’s national security adviser, also participated in talks with Zelensky’s team, which lasted about two hours.
Following the discussions, NATO’s Rutte told the BBC, “It’s crucial for Ukraine to prevail. The situation is not just a problem for Ukraine but a threat to all of us.”
The UK has provided £12.8 billion in military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Over 200,000 Ukrainian refugees have also found temporary refuge in the UK.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has upheld the strong financial and diplomatic support policies established by the previous Conservative government, continuing the UK’s backing for Ukraine’s war efforts.
This marks Zelensky’s second visit to Downing Street since Sir Keir became prime minister. In July, the Ukrainian president was the first foreign leader hosted at No. 10 under the new government.
Even before his election, Starmer supported Ukraine as the opposition leader, meeting Zelensky in Ukraine in February and again during a NATO summit in July. At that summit, NATO leaders promised Ukraine an “irreversible path” to membership, a goal the Ukrainian government sees as crucial for its long-term security.
