Keir speaks with Trump & Macron hours after meeting with Zelensky at No10 (2025)

51 minutes agoBy Juliana Cruz Lima

Polish President urges Zelensky to reopen talks with Trump

Polish President Andrzej Duda has stated that he believes no nation other than the US can stop Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

He urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to resume negotiations with the United States.

Duda’s comments come after a heated public exchange between Zelenskyy and Donald Trump at the White House, where the former US president threatened to pull support for Ukraine in its war with Russia.

1st Mar 2025, 23:30By Juliana Cruz Lima

UK loan to be used for weapons, Zelensky says

Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that the UK’s £2.26bn ($2.8bn) loan to Kyiv will go directly into weapons production as Ukraine ramps up its defense efforts against Russia.

Following a "meaningful and warm meeting" with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the Ukrainian president took to X to outline how the funds will be used.

"This loan will enhance Ukraine’s defence capabilities and will be repaid using revenues from frozen Russian assets," Zelensky wrote.

He stressed that the money will go straight into arming Ukraine, declaring: "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."

Zelensky also expressed gratitude for Britain’s ongoing support, calling the UK a "strategic partner" in securing a stable future for Ukraine.

The loan is part of a wider effort by Western allies to bolster Ukraine’s military strength, with European leaders set to meet in London to discuss the next steps in supporting the war-torn nation.

1st Mar 2025, 22:30By Juliana Cruz Lima

Europe facing 'historic test'

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala has said that "Europe faces a historic test" and must be capable of defending itself, warning that "Nobody else will do it."

Fiala emphasised the importance of increasing military support for Ukraine, urging European nations to raise their arms spending to at least 3% of GDP.

He added: "If we don't increase our effort fast enough and let the aggressor dictate its conditions, we won't end up well."

1st Mar 2025, 22:10By Juliana Cruz Lima

Macron open to discussing nuclear deterrence for Europe

French President Emmanuel Macron has signaled his willingness to initiate discussions on nuclear deterrence for Europe.

He suggested that France could play a role in protecting other EU countries in light of the growing security risks posed by Russia.

In an interview with Portuguese TV RTP, which he later shared on X, Macron emphasised that if Europe sought to move towards greater autonomy in defense matters, a conversation about nuclear deterrence should begin.

He made it clear that he is open to leading this discussion, stating: “I am available to open this discussion…if it allows to build a European force.”

Macron’s remarks come as European leaders gather in London on Sunday for talks about a peace plan for Ukraine, followed by a key EU summit on Thursday.

With US President Donald Trump’s recent clashes with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Trump’s apparent openness to Russian diplomacy, Macron’s call for a European defense strategy could signal a shift toward more self-reliance in the face of external threats.

Macron further noted that France’s nuclear doctrine has always had a European dimension, suggesting that any discussions on nuclear deterrence would align with France’s longstanding security priorities in the region.

1st Mar 2025, 21:50By Juliana Cruz Lima

Zelensky's thank you to the UK

Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his gratitude to the UK following his meeting with Keir Starmer, praising the country for its "tremendous support" since the onset of the war in Ukraine.

Zelensky also spoke about the £2.6bn loan announced today, calling it a "principled statement of support."

He emphasised that this loan will significantly bolster Ukraine’s defence capabilities and be repaid through profits generated from frozen Russian assets.

“The funds will be directed toward weapons production in Ukraine,” he added.

“This is true justice – the one who started the war must be the one to pay.”

1st Mar 2025, 21:26By Juliana Cruz Lima

Starmer speaks with Trump & Macron

Sir Keir Starmer spoke with US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron after welcoming Volodymyr Zelensky to Downing Street earlier this evening, the PA news agency understands.

According to Sky News, both were "constructive" calls, aimed at finding a way forward.

1st Mar 2025, 21:10By Juliana Cruz Lima

Two European leaders speak out against Ukraine’s support

As European leaders unite in support of Ukraine, Viktor Orban, Hungary’s prime minister, and Robert Fico, Slovakia's populist leader, have voiced strong opposition to the prevailing EU stance.

Orban, a close ally of Vladimir Putin, has suggested that the EU should take a page from the United States and open discussions with Russia to push for a ceasefire and “sustainable peace.”

In a letter to the President of the European Council, he argued that the EU’s current approach — which insists on no negotiations with Russia unless Ukraine is involved and states that a ceasefire must come as part of a broader peace agreement — is incompatible with his view.

In Slovakia, Prime Minister Fico has reiterated his country's refusal to offer military or financial aid to Ukraine.

He has also called for an immediate ceasefire, which he says is being rejected by both President Zelenskyy and a majority of EU members.

Fico warned that if the European Council doesn’t heed Slovakia’s calls, the summit next week in Brussels might fail to reach a unified position on Ukraine.

These dissenting voices suggest that as Europe continues to navigate its response to the war, not all EU leaders are aligned in their approach to Ukraine's future.

1st Mar 2025, 20:50By Katie Davis

How Trump 2.0 is stronger than EVER before, expert says

Donald Trump has returned to the White House "stronger" than ever, a psychiatrist says.

Gabriel Diaconu believes the US president is determined to "change the course of history" - with theUkrainianpeace deal the first salvo in his plot.

Trump's behaviour also indicates he is "exploiting" a "power vacuum" in Europe as he strives for "technological, resource and economic supremacy", Dr Diaconu said.

Dr Diaconu, a former co-chair at the World Psychiatric Association, said Trump's behaviour at the start of his second term indicates he has come back "bigger and wiser" than before.

He believes Trump is on a mission to change the course of history - with a peace deal between Moscow and Kyiv top of his list.

Read more on this exclusive story here...

1st Mar 2025, 20:29By Juliana Cruz Lima

UK announces new £2.6bn loan for Ukraine

The UK has announced a new loan for Ukraine.

While Volodymyr Zelenskyy was meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street, his finance minister, Sergii Marchenko, participated remotely via video call to secure additional funding for Ukraine.

The UK’s Chancellor Rachel Reeves signed off on a new £2.6billion loan to support Ukraine, which is tied to frozen Russian assets.

These funds fall under the category of Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration Loans.

The loan will be repaid through the extraordinary profits generated from Russian assets, of which £236billion are held in Europe alone.

This follows the G7’s announcement last year, where the group of seven wealthy democracies, including the UK and US, pledged $50billion in loans to Ukraine, with repayments stretched out until the end of 2027.

This move further reinforces the West's commitment to Ukraine’s financial stability amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.

1st Mar 2025, 20:10By Juliana Cruz Lima

Zelensky's public support remains strong

Despite Donald Trump’s recent claims that Volodymyr Zelensky’s approval rating had plummeted to 4%, polling paints a different picture of Ukraine's president.

According to official polling from the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, 57% of Ukrainians trust Zelenskyy, putting him in line with Trump’s own approval rating.

A more recent poll by Survation from February 25-27 suggests Zelenskyy remains highly popular.

If a presidential election were held in Ukraine today (currently prohibited under martial law), 44% of the public would vote for him for a second term, significantly ahead of other political figures.

Zelenskyy also boasts a +22 approval rating among Ukrainians, a stark contrast to Keir Starmer’s -25 approval rating in the UK.

And 30% of Ukrainians strongly approve of his leadership, underscoring his image as a strong and trusted leader during these challenging times.

1st Mar 2025, 19:50By Juliana Cruz Lima

Zelensky's visit to Downing Street in pictures

1st Mar 2025, 19:30By Juliana Cruz Lima

What’s happening at tomorrow's European Summit in London?

The search for peace in Ukraine takes another crucial step forward as Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosts a European summit in London tomorrow, ahead of the larger gathering in Paris on March 6.

Leaders from key European countries have been invited, including France, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Turkey, Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, and Romania.

Also attending are the presidents of the European Council, European Commission, and NATO Secretary General.

Tomorrow’s talks will focus on securing a “lasting and enforced” peace in Ukraine, as the war with Russia drags on.

Starmer is also set to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni before the summit heads into the critical discussions on Sunday.

With so many high-level leaders converging in London, the summit could be a pivotal moment in shaping the next phase of Ukraine’s battle for peace and stability.

1st Mar 2025, 19:10By Juliana Cruz Lima

Rally for Ukraine at Downing Street tomorrow

A rally in support of Ukraine is scheduled for Sunday, with pro-Ukrainian demonstrators gathering outside Downing Street from 2pm.

The event comes at a crucial time, with continued global attention on Ukraine’s struggle against Russian aggression.

Earlier today, a group of demonstrators were spotted outside the gates of Downing Street, cheering as President Zelensky’s convoy passed by.

Their show of support highlights the ongoing solidarity with Ukraine as Zelenskyy continues his diplomatic efforts in the UK.

The rally tomorrow will likely be another powerful display of public backing for Ukraine, as the country continues to navigate its path toward peace.

1st Mar 2025, 18:53By Juliana Cruz Lima

Zelensky leaves Downing Street

Volodymyr Zelensky has just left Downing Street after crisis talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer this evening.

The Ukrainian President arrived just an hour ago and had a behind-closed-doors meeting with the UK PM.

Cameras flashed and Sir Keir Starmer patted Volodymyr Zelensky on his back as they walked out of Number 10.

The Prime Minister walked the Ukrainian president to his car and the two leaders smiled and chatted to each other before shaking hands, hugging and waving goodbye.

Sir Keir waited on Downing Street with his hands clasped for Mr Zelensky’s Range Rover to drive away.

He waved the car off and then walked back into Number 10 on his own.

Neither man answered any of the questions shouted by reporters during the departure.

Journalists asked if the leaders were reassured, if progress had been made, and if Sir Keir would cancel US President Donald Trump’s state visit.

The pair are set to meet again tomorrow at the European Summit.

1st Mar 2025, 18:50By Juliana Cruz Lima

Starmer and Zelensky's greeting in full

Upon welcoming Volodymyr Zelensky in Downing Street, Sir Keir Starmer said: "You have full backing across the United Kingdom and we stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

"And I hope you heard some of that cheering in the street.

"That is the people of the UK coming out to demonstrate how much they support you, how much they support Ukraine, and our absolute determination to stand with you - unwavering determination.

"And to achieve what we both want to achieve, which is a lasting peace based on sovereignty and security for Ukraine."

Volodymyr Zelensky replied: "I want to thank you, the people of the United Kingdom for such big support from the very beginning of this war. Thank you and your team.

"And I am very happy that His Majesty the king accepted my meeting tomorrow, and I'm thankful that you've organised such a great summit tomorrow.

"We count on your support and we are really happy that we have such great partners and such friends."

1st Mar 2025, 18:30By Kate Ferguson

What happened in the last 24 hours?

In a dizzying 24 hours that threatens to upturn 80 years of peace in Europe...

• The Trump administration is considering ending all shipments of military aid to Ukraine, reports said

• Italian PM Giorgia Meloni called for an immediate summit between the US, Europe and its allies

• Nato secretary general Mark Rutte told Zelensky to restore his relationship with Trump

• Trump’s allies rounded on Europe for backing Zelensky saying it was time they defended their own continent

• Tory Party leader Kemi Badenoch said Europe should consider doing its own minerals deal with Ukraine

• Nigel Farage finally broke his silence after more than 12 hours saying the Trump-Zelensky “spat” will make Putin feel like a “winner”

• Putin’s cronies celebrated the almighty fallout calling Zelensky as a “pig” and likening the Ukrainian government to Nazis

• Labour and Tory MPs called for the UK and allies to seize £240 billion of frozen Russian assets to rebuild Ukraine

1st Mar 2025, 18:13By Summer Raemason

Zelensky thanks King Charles for agreeing to meet

The Ukrainian presidentsaid: "I’m very happy that His Majesty the King accepted my meeting tomorrow."

King Charles is understood to have invited Mr Zelensky for a meeting tomorrow evening.

“Zelensky was always due to be in the UK this weekend and so a meeting with the King was pencilled in,” a Palace insider told The Sun.

1st Mar 2025, 18:03By Summer Raemason

Zelensky hails Britain as a "big support" from the "very beginning".

He said he is “very happy in the UK” and looking forward to a summit with European leaders tomorrow.

“We’re happy and count on your support and really really have [been] such partners,” he added.

Sir Keir Starmer and Mr Zelensky will now hold private talks.

1st Mar 2025, 18:03By Juliana Cruz Lima

Zelensky fires off 38 ‘thank yous’ after JD Vance’s jab

Volodymyr Zelensky just made his point — 38 times over.

After a fiery meeting with Donald Trump last night, it wasn’t just the former president making waves.

Republican Senator JD Vance stole the spotlight with a pointed question aimed at the Ukrainian leader: "Have you said thank you once?"

Zelensky, who has spent the past three years expressing gratitude for US support, didn’t let that slide.

In the hours following the tense exchange, he embarked on a social media blitz, responding to posts from 38 world leaders and senior ministers.

From Canada's Justin Trudeau to Australia's Anthony Albanese, the message was the same: "Thank you for your support."

This came just after his broader statement directed at the US: "Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit.

"Thank you POTUS, Congress, and the American people."

And Zelenskyy doubled down this morning: "Ukraine is very grateful to the US, and we are truly thankful.

"We want only strong relations with America, and I really hope we will have them."

1st Mar 2025, 17:44By Summer Raemason

Starmer tells Zelensky ‘You have UK’s full backing’

The PM told Volodymyr Zelensky’s that Ukraine has Britain’s “full backing”.

He said: “You have full backing across the United Kingdom and we have full backing for Ukraine for as long as it takes."

A crowd of people gave a cheer outside Downing street.

The Ukrainian president said: “With pleasure, thank you very much Keir, Mr Prime Minister, happy to be here.

“Really, I saw a lot of people, and I want to thank you, people of the United Kingdom, such big support from the very beginning of this war, thank you, your team".

1st Mar 2025, 17:41By Juliana Cruz Lima

A warm welcome

Prime Minister Keir Starmer did not spare positive words to President Zelensky in a warm and relaxed welcome to Downing Street.

Referencing the cheers upon the Ukrainian leader's arrival at No10, Starmer said: "You have full backing across the United Kingdom.

"We'll stand with you until the end."

Zelensky thanked the kind words as the pair headed to their meeting behind closed doors.

1st Mar 2025, 17:28By Juliana Cruz Lima

President Zelensky arrives at Downing Street

Zelensky has arrived at Downing Street for his meeting with Keir Starmer.

As his motorcade entered from Whitehall, crowds gathered outside cheered his arrival.

The Prime Minister greeted the Ukrainian leader with a handshake and the pair gave a smiling embrace before posing for pictures outside No10.

1st Mar 2025, 17:20By Juliana Cruz Lima

When was the last time Zelensky and King Charles met?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and King Charles III last met on July 18, 2024, at the Fourth European Political Community summit held at Blenheim Palace near Oxford.

During this meeting, Zelensky expressed his gratitude to the UK for its unwavering support of Ukraine, calling Britain "one of Ukraine's closest and most important allies."

Before that, the two leaders had met on February 8, 2023, when Zelensky made a historic visit to the UK.

That trip included an address to Parliament and an audience with the King, marking a significant diplomatic moment.

Zelensky is now back in the UK for talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European leaders amid growing international discussions on Ukraine’s future.

With tensions still high over the ongoing war, this meeting could serve as a powerful display of Britain’s continued solidarity with Ukraine.

1st Mar 2025, 17:02By Kate Ferguson

The King to meet Zelensky

King Charles will meet with President Zelensky tomorrow, The Sun has revealed.

The monarch, 76, will throw open the doors of Sandringham to the embattled Ukrainian leader.

Zelensky's audience will happen just days after Trump accepted an invite from the King for an "unprecedented" second State Visit.

Insiders reveal the royal welcome was planned before Trump and Zelensky clashed on Friday.

Charles has previously voiced his wholesale support for President Zelensky, saying Ukraine has witnessed "indescribable aggression" following an "unprovoked attack on their land".

1st Mar 2025, 16:41By Patrick Harrington

UK can bridge US-Ukraine relations

The UK is in a "unique position" to patch up the splintering relationship between the US and Ukraine, according to senior government sources.

Trump likes the UK more than the EU, so Starmer has the best chance of mediating between the quarrelling countries, they told Bloomberg.

The sources revealed that the PM tried to get Zelensky back in the White House after he left - but it was no use.

They added Starmer will try everything he can over the weekend to facilitate repairing the relationship.

One source told the site they would "never give up" fighting for a united western position, because that's the most important thing.