Starmer doubles down on ‘unwavering assist’ to Ukraine forward of world leaders’ summit | World Information

Sir Keir Starmer has provided his “unwavering support” to Ukraine – saying “we’re at a turning point” following a fiery Oval Workplace alternate between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump.

The prime minister welcomed Mr Zelenskyy to Downing Avenue on Saturday, the place they signed a brand new mortgage deal for Ukraine following his disastrous assembly with the US president on Friday.

On Sunday, the pair will probably be joined by dozens of world leaders for a summit on Ukraine and safety.

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Sir Keir will begin the day by chatting with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, earlier than they’re joined by French President Emmanuel Macron and leaders from international locations together with Germany, Denmark, Norway, Poland, Canada, Finland and Romania.

Turkey’s international minister, the EU’s Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary Common Mark Rutte may even attend.

In an announcement issued forward of the assembly, Sir Keir mentioned he “will reaffirm my unwavering support for Ukraine and double down on my commitment to provide capacity, training and aid” – with the intention to put the nation “in the strongest possible position”.

He continued: “In partnership with our allies, we should intensify our preparations for the European factor of safety ensures alongside continued discussions with the US.

“Now we have a chance to return collectively to make sure a simply and lasting peace in Ukraine that secures their sovereignty and safety.

“Now is the time for us to unite in order to guarantee the best outcome for Ukraine, protect European security, and secure our collective future.”

Zelenskyy’s go to to Downing Avenue

Sir Keir’s assertion got here after he welcomed Mr Zelenskyy to Downing Avenue with a hug.

The pair spoke briefly, earlier than Mr Zelenskyy waved at reporters and gave a thumbs up. They then shook palms as they posed for footage outdoors the door of No 10.

As they sat down inside, Sir Keir advised Mr Zelenskyy: “You may have full backing throughout the UK and we stand with you, with Ukraine, for so long as it might take.

“I hope you heard some of that cheering in the street,” he continued, saying the cheers signified “our absolute determination to stand with you – unwavering determination – and to achieve what we both want to achieve, which is a lasting peace.”

Sir Keir added: “A lasting peace for Ukraine based on sovereignty and security for Ukraine – so important for Ukraine, so important for Europe and so important for the United Kingdom.”

“So I’m much looking forward to our discussions here this afternoon – thank you very much for making the time to come,” he mentioned.

Mr Zelenskyy replied that he was “happy to be here”.

“I want to thank you, the people of the United Kingdom and the King,” he mentioned, noting he will probably be assembly the monarch tomorrow.

“We count on your support,” he continued. “We’re really happy we have such partners and such friends.”

A brand new mortgage deal for Ukraine

Sir Keir and Mr Zelenskyy each posted on X following their assembly, with the British prime minister saying it was an “honour” to welcome the Ukrainian chief to No 10.

He signed off his put up with “Slava Ukraini”, which implies ‘Glory to Ukraine’.

In a lengthier put up, Mr Zelenskyy mentioned the pair “discussed the challenges facing Ukraine and all of Europe, coordination with partners, concrete steps to strengthen Ukraine’s position, and ending the war with a just peace, along with robust security guarantees”.

He additionally introduced a brand new mortgage settlement signed over a videocall immediately by chancellor Rachel Reeves and Ukrainian finance minister Sergii Marchenko.

The £2.26bn mortgage will “enhance Ukraine’s defence capabilities” and “be repaid using revenues from frozen Russian assets”, Mr Zelenskyy mentioned.

The Treasury mentioned: “The loan demonstrates the UK’s commitment to Ukrainian defence. A strong Ukraine is vital to UK national security.”

In addition to welcoming Mr Zelenskyy, Sir Keir has spoken to US President Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron immediately.

Sky Information understands the calls have been constructive and targeted on discovering a means ahead.

Two completely completely different White Home conferences

Each the Ukrainian president and the British prime minister visited the White Home this week – however the two conferences had very completely different outcomes.

Sir Keir received over Mr Trump within the Oval Workplace on Thursday as he introduced the US president with a letter from the King, inviting him to the UK for an historic second state go to. However Mr Zelenskyy’s assembly in the identical room – simply 24 hours later – descended right into a fiery shouting match.

The Ukrainian president had travelled to Washington DC to aim to safe a Russia ceasefire settlement and a potential mineral deal with the US.

Learn extra:
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His first engagement on the White Home was a sit down with Mr Trump and his vp JD Vance – which ended with the pair accusing Mr Zelenskyy of being “disrespectful” and “gambling with World War Three”.

The Ukrainian president then left early and the remainder of the day’s engagements, together with a information convention, have been rapidly cancelled.

His aircraft, emblazoned with the Ukrainian flag, touched down at London’s Stansted airport and was met by a convoy of automobiles this morning.