Key Points
Zelenskyy and Starmer discuss Ukraine war challenges
UK signs defence loan agreement
Funds from frozen Russian assets
Strategic partnership reaffirmed
The two leaders spoke about the challenges facing Ukraine and Europe, coordination with international partners, and efforts to achieve a just peace with strong security guarantees.
In a post on X, Zelenskyy wrote, "A meaningful and warm meeting with Prime Minister @Keir_Starmer. During our talks, we 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."
As part of the meeting, Ukraine and the UK signed a loan agreement aimed at boosting Ukraine's defence capabilities.
"A principled statement of support from the Prime Minister and an important decision: today, in our presence, Ukraine and the United Kingdom signed a Loan Agreement. This loan will enhance Ukraine's defence capabilities and will be repaid using revenues from frozen Russian assets," he said on X.
"The funds will be directed toward weapons production in Ukraine. This is true justice - the one who started the war must be the one to pay," he added.
Expressing gratitude to the UK government, he stated. "I thank the people and government of the United Kingdom for their tremendous support from the very beginning of this war. We are happy to have such strategic partners and to share the same vision of what a secure future should look like for all."
Starmer's office had earlier confirmed his meeting with Zelenskyy ahead of a European leaders' summit on Sunday. The discussions will focus on shoring up support for "securing a just and enduring peace" in Ukraine.
Sunday's summit is also expected to address the need for Europe to increase defence cooperation amid fears about whether the US will continue to support Ukraine or NATO.
