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More than a dozen European leaders are convening in London on Sunday for urgent discussions aimed at strengthening security cooperation and reinforcing support for Ukraine. The meeting follows a dramatic confrontation between Kyiv and Washington, which has heightened concerns about the future of U.S. backing for Ukraine.
Ukraine’s allies have been emphasizing their unwavering commitment to counter fears that U.S. President Donald Trump may be willing to compromise Kyiv’s position in negotiations with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was recently ousted from the White House, received a warm reception at Downing Street on Saturday. He embraced British Prime Minister Keir Starmer twice in front of the press and secured a significant loan to bolster Ukraine’s defenses, which have been strained by over three years of resisting Russia’s invasion.
"I extend my gratitude to the people and government of the United Kingdom for their tremendous support since the onset of this war," Zelenskyy stated. "We are fortunate to have such strategic partners who share our vision of a secure future for all."
On Sunday, Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet King Charles III before joining a gathering of European leaders at a security summit. The event will include high-ranking officials from France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Turkey, NATO, and the European Union.
"This is a crucial moment for unity—to ensure the best possible outcome for Ukraine, safeguard European security, and protect our collective future," Starmer emphasized.
Downing Street stated that the summit will reiterate the necessity of a "strong, lasting agreement that ensures permanent peace" while also addressing "the next steps in establishing solid security guarantees."
Amid growing concerns about U.S. commitment to NATO, the discussions in the U.K. will also focus on Europe’s need to enhance its defense cooperation.
Warm Reception in London
Zelenskyy’s arrival in London on Saturday was met with cheers from a crowd of supporters.
"You are very, very welcome here in Downing Street," Starmer told Zelenskyy before they engaged in a 75-minute closed-door meeting.
Their discussion centered on Ukraine’s stance and strategies to achieve a "lasting and just peace" that would prevent Russia from using a ceasefire to regroup and launch further attacks, according to a statement from Zelenskyy’s office.
The leaders also announced a $2.84 billion loan agreement to enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities. The loan, to be repaid using profits from frozen Russian sovereign assets, will be allocated for weapons production within Ukraine.
"The aggressor should bear the cost of the war," Zelenskyy asserted.
During his visit, he expressed his appreciation for the U.K., describing Britain as a strategic partner with a shared vision for security.
Confrontation in Washington
Zelenskyy’s diplomatic engagements in London contrasted sharply with his tense encounter in Washington just hours earlier.
During a heated exchange in the White House, Trump and U.S. Vice President JD Vance accused Zelenskyy of failing to show gratitude and rejecting their proposed ceasefire terms. Trump went further, chastising him for what he called "ingratitude" and accusing him of risking a global conflict.
Zelenskyy, however, remained firm, stating that there should be "no compromises" with Russian President Vladimir Putin as negotiations to end the war continue.
Shifting U.S. Policy
Trump’s shifting stance on U.S. support for Ukraine has unsettled both Kyiv and its European allies. The newly inaugurated Republican leader has positioned himself as a mediator between Zelenskyy and Putin while downplaying the role of Kyiv and Europe in peace talks.
During their Oval Office meeting, Trump disclosed that he had engaged in numerous private discussions with Putin, more than had previously been reported.
Following his meeting with Starmer in Washington last week, Trump suggested that significant progress had been made toward brokering a resolution to the war, calling the ongoing negotiations a critical turning point.
Although he did not apologize for the White House altercation, Zelenskyy signaled a willingness to negotiate a deal involving Ukraine’s mineral resources, which Trump has shown interest in. Despite the "tough dialogue," he insisted that Ukraine and the U.S. "remain strategic partners."
"But we must be honest and direct with each other to truly understand our shared objectives," Zelenskyy wrote on X.
Reactions from Moscow and Europe
Russia’s former president, Dmitry Medvedev, ridiculed Zelenskyy, calling him an "insolent pig" who had been given "a well-deserved reprimand in the Oval Office."
The Kremlin dismissed Zelenskyy’s trip to Washington as a "complete failure," while German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock criticized Trump for "reversing the roles of victim and aggressor" in the war.
"Last night made it clear—we have entered a new era of disgrace," she remarked.
