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Zelensky at Downing Street: meeting with Starmer and call for peace based on sovereignty and security

Keir Starmer confirms UK’s full support for Ukraine. Orban sides with Trump, while Nato secretary general calls on Zelensky to mend fences with US

London – March 1, 2025 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at Downing Street today for a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, just hours after an intense confrontation yesterday at the White House with U.S. President Donald Trump. Zelensky was warmly welcomed by the British premier, who embraced him at the entrance to his official residence, showing strong closeness at a crucial time for international diplomacy.

Peace based on sovereignty and security

Zelensky expressed deep gratitude to the UK for its continued support for Ukraine in the fight against Russian invasion. “It is a privilege for me to enjoy your friendship,” said the Ukrainian president. Starmer reiterated the UK’s “absolute and unwavering determination” to ensure lasting peace based on Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. “We will stand by your side for as long as it takes,” the British premier stressed, referring to the British people’s strong support for the Ukrainian cause.

Orban aligns with Trump

Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has distinguished himself as one of the few European leaders to openly side with Donald Trump. In a letter addressed to European Council President Antonio Costa, Orban suggested that the European Union should follow the example of the United States and start direct negotiations with Russia for a ceasefire and sustainable peace. Orban also criticized the EU’s attempt to reach consensus among the Twenty-Seven, calling previous European approaches to the conflict irrelevant.

NATO’s position

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told the BBC of his telephone talks with Zelensky, expressing the need to find a way to mend fences with Trump and the U.S. administration. “We must remain united, the United States, Ukraine and Europe, to ensure lasting peace,” Rutte said, adding that Trump remains committed to NATO and to a resolution of the conflict in Ukraine.

Rutte also discussed with Starmer the importance of this issue, viewing today’s meeting between the British premier and Zelensky as an important step toward greater cohesion among Western leaders ahead of tomorrow’s summit in London, where they will discuss common European defense and support for Ukraine.

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