Following a tense and unprecedented White House meeting on Thursday, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed his “unwavering support” for Ukraine.
A Downing Street statement confirmed on Friday night that Starmer spoke separately to Trump and Zelensky after the meeting. Starmer has positioned himself as a mediator and the talks took place hours after the two leaders exchanged heated words at the White House.
“The Prime Minister spoke with President Trump and President Zelensky tonight. He reiterated his unwavering support for Ukraine and his commitment to a lasting peace based on Ukraine’s sovereignty and security,” the statement said.
Starmer announced that he will hold talks with Ukrainian leader Zelensky and Italy's Giorgia Meloni in Downing Street on Sunday.
The talks will take place ahead of a major defense summit between European leaders to establish a “sustainable and effective” peace in Ukraine.
After Thursday's meeting, where Trump's Vice President J.D. Vance called Zelensky "disrespectful," world leaders continued to express support for Ukraine.
Trump claimed that he helped Zelensky become a “tough guy,” saying, “You wouldn’t be a tough guy without us.”
In addition, Trump warned Zelensky that he was “risking gambling with World War III,” and Zelensky responded by saying, “If the United States does not support Ukraine, America will also feel the consequences in the future.”
After the meeting, an important mineral agreement was supposed to be signed between the two countries, but it did not happen, as tensions rose during the meeting.
French President Emmanuel Macron said after the clash, “Russia is an aggressor, and Ukraine is a victim. We were right to help Ukraine and we must continue this assistance.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, “Nobody wants peace more than Ukraine. That is why we are working to find a path to a just peace. Ukraine can count on Germany – and on Europe.”
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also said, “Dear @ZelenskyyUa, dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also said, “Ukraine, Spain stands by you.”
Following this tense meeting, world leaders together reiterated their support for Ukraine, while at the same time emphasizing the need to work towards establishing a sustainable peace.
