After being asked to leave the White House on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to London where British Prime Minister Keir Starmer extended a warm welcome, expressing solidarity with Ukraine. Starmer assured Zelensky of the United Kingdom’s unwavering support, stating, “You have full backing from the United Kingdom, and we stand with you with Ukraine for as long as it may take.” This message came after a public clash with President Trump and Vice President Vance in the Oval Office.
During a press conference with Zelensky on Saturday, Starmer reiterated the UK’s support and highlighted the overwhelming support of the British people for Ukraine. Zelensky also had a meeting scheduled with the UK’s King Charles on Sunday, which was seen as a consolation after the tumultuous meeting with Trump.
European leaders, including NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and French President Emmanuel Macron, are meeting in London to work on a peace plan with Ukraine. Starmer announced that the UK, along with France and possibly other countries, will collaborate with Ukraine on a plan to end the fighting with Russia, which will then be presented to the White House.
The urgency to create a new peace plan is attributed to the pressure exerted by the Trump administration and the controversial mineral deal that Zelensky rejected. While some European leaders have called for continued weapon transfers to Ukraine, they are at least making a show of pursuing peace as an alternative approach to Washington.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni acknowledged the division within the traditional transatlantic alliance, emphasizing the importance of unity in achieving peace in Ukraine. The Kremlin is likely to bypass engaging with European leaders and continue dealing with Trump on ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine.
The Russian leadership believes that Europe will align with whatever agreement Washington reaches, given the historical pattern of the US shouldering the bulk of defense funds for NATO. The US has been pursuing bilateral talks with Moscow, excluding European and Ukrainian representatives from the discussions.
The article includes a Twitter embed showing Zelensky’s statement about demanding money from Europe if the US stops financial support. Elon Musk also commented on Zelensky’s public image, while the Russian leadership anticipates Europe’s alignment with US decisions on peace negotiations.