Just a day after a fiery confrontation with Donald Trump in the Oval Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was met with cheers, handshakes, and a $3.3 billion loan in London.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer personally welcomed Zelenskyy outside 10 Downing Street, where he reaffirmed the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine.
“That is the people of the United Kingdom coming out to demonstrate how much they support you, how much they support Ukraine,” Starmer said, as onlookers applauded. “We stand with you and Ukraine for as long as it may take.”
The leaders then signed a $3.3 billion agreement aimed at boosting Ukraine’s military production—funds that will be repaid using revenues from frozen Russian assets.
“This is true justice—the one who started the war must be the one to pay,” Zelenskyy declared on X, thanking the UK for its continued support.
From Washington fury to British diplomacy
The warm reception in London stood in stark contrast to Zelenskyy’s tense visit to Washington, where a heated argument erupted between him, Trump, and Vice President JD Vance inside the Oval Office.
The confrontation reportedly stemmed from Trump’s frustration over Zelenskyy’s past appearances with Democratic leaders and his initial reluctance to sign a joint US-Ukraine deal on rare-earth minerals. Trump accused Zelenskyy of being “disrespectful” to the US, while Vance took issue with Ukraine’s continued demands for military aid.
The disagreement escalated into a shouting match, after which Trump reportedly wanted Zelenskyy to leave.
A strategic power move
Despite the diplomatic fallout in Washington, Zelenskyy’s London visit proved far more successful. The newly signed UK deal not only strengthens Ukraine’s defense capabilities but also sets a precedent for using Russian assets to fund the war effort.
Zelenskyy’s diplomatic tour continues with meetings at a European security summit, and he is expected to visit King Charles at Sandringham. But after the tumultuous White House encounter, his warm welcome in the UK sends a clear message: While Trump may be pulling away, Britain is standing firm with Ukraine.