On Sunday, King Charles will host an official audience with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Sandringham, amidst ongoing efforts from the UK and EU to express their unwavering support for Ukraine. This meeting comes on the heels of a challenging encounter for Zelenskyy, where he faced criticism from Donald Trump and JD Vance at the White House, highlighting the complexities of international diplomacy.
In addition to the royal audience, Keir Starmer, the leader of the UK Labour Party, will convene a special defence summit featuring European heads of government and the leaders of Canada and Turkey. This summit aims to present a united front regarding the ongoing Ukraine crisis. Starmer's meeting with Zelenskyy on Saturday night followed the tumultuous exchanges in the Oval Office, where the Ukrainian president expressed his gratitude for the king's willingness to meet.
During his arrival at Downing Street, Zelenskyy remarked on his happiness regarding the royal meeting, which was perceived in Westminster as a strategic move to extend equal treatment to both him and Trump, who recently received an invitation for another state visit to the UK. Reports suggest that the UK government is considering unlocking billions of pounds in frozen Russian assets for Ukraine, marking a significant shift in military funding policies. According to the Sunday Times, this would be the first instance of utilizing frozen Russian assets for military expenditure.
The heated exchanges involving Trump and Vance, which culminated in Zelenskyy being asked to leave before formal discussions could commence, have sparked fears among world leaders concerning potential damage to the Western alliance and peace prospects in Ukraine’s conflict with Russia. At the upcoming defence summit, Starmer will emphasize the necessity for Europe to present a unified front against President Putin.
Starmer stated, “Three years on from Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, we are at a turning point.” He stressed the urgency for unity in efforts to secure the best outcomes for Ukraine and to ensure the stability of European security. This sentiment is echoed in Zelenskyy’s recent statements, where he expressed gratitude towards the UK for its steadfast support.
As he arrived in the UK following his visit to the US, Zelenskyy aimed to mend diplomatic relations strained by the recent Oval Office encounter. He publicly thanked Trump and the American people for their bipartisan support, emphasizing the crucial role of US assistance in Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. This contrasts sharply with the earlier accusations from Trump and Vance, who claimed Zelenskyy was ungrateful for the aid provided to Ukraine.
Upon meeting Zelenskyy, Starmer offered a warm welcome, departing from the traditional formality of the occasion. He walked alongside Zelenskyy, acknowledging the support from the UK populace, who cheered for the Ukrainian leader. The prime minister expressed a shared commitment to achieving lasting peace for Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of sovereignty and security.
Key topics for discussion at the defence summit will include enhancing military support for Ukraine and the implications of reduced US involvement in European security. Leaders will also explore strategies to increase economic pressure on Russia, aiming to disrupt Putin’s military operations. Many experts believe the current state of the Russian economy may limit its operational capacity to sustain prolonged conflict in Ukraine.
King Charles previously met with Zelenskyy during a surprise visit in February 2023, where the king expressed his concern for Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict. Following this, Zelenskyy acknowledged the UK’s unwavering support in his address to Parliament, reinforcing the strong ties between the two nations.
As Zelenskyy prepares for the upcoming summit, European leaders are acutely aware of the potential rift with the US over critical issues, including security and trade. They plan to reinforce the necessity of including Ukraine in any peace negotiations. A draft summit text states, “There can be no negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine.”
Summing up the urgency of the situation, an EU diplomat remarked, “If this is not a wake-up call, then I don’t know what is.” The need for the EU to transition from dialogue to decisive action in support of Ukraine has never been more pressing.
