London (EFE).- United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer gave Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a warm welcome on Saturday as he arrived at his Downing Street residence for a meeting ahead of Sunday’s summit of European leaders in London.
It is the first time Zelenskyy has appeared in public since his sharp confrontation with US President Donald Trump and his vice-president, JD Vance, in the Oval Office of the White House on Friday.
Instead of waiting for the Ukrainian at the door of 10 Downing Street, as is customary, Starmer greeted him with a hug and a smile, to which Zelenskyy responded in kind.
The Ukrainian was dressed in the same military uniform he wore to the White House on Friday.
Dozens of journalists awaited Zelenskyy’s arrival, while a group of demonstrators greeted the president with applause and cheers outside the entrance to the UK prime minister’s office and residence.
“You’re very, very welcome here in Downing Street,” Starmer told Zelenskyy, according to pictures released at the start of the meeting inside the residence.
The Briton referred to the cheers of citizens waiting for the Ukrainian, which he said represented “how much they you, how much they 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.”
Zelenskyy, who appeared emotional at times, thanked Starmer, the UK, and King Charles III for their since the start of the war. The latter will receive him at his palace in Sandringham, eastern England, on Sunday after the summit.
The Ukrainian head of state also expressed his “satisfaction” with the 100-year strategic agreement that the UK initiated with Ukraine at the beginning of 2025, the only one of its kind in the country.
The meeting between Starmer and Zelenskyy took place unexpectedly on Saturday, according to the agenda provided by the British government, as it was supposed to take place on Sunday, just before the summit with the European countries. EFE
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