Starmer to Meet Zelensky at No 10 Ahead of Pivotal Trump–Putin Summit

Shiva K Dhakal
National Press Corporttion(NPC)
Great Britain, Prime Minister Keir Starmer will welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Downing Street this morning in a public show of support for Kyiv, just two days before a high-stakes meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Mr Starmer has said there is a “viable chance” of securing a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, as diplomatic efforts intensify ahead of Friday’s summit in Alaska. Today’s talks in London are expected to focus on securing stronger international backing for Ukraine and maintaining pressure on Moscow.

The United States has signalled a tough stance going into the summit. President Trump warned on Thursday of “very severe consequences” if Mr Putin refuses to end the war, following discussions with European leaders.

Speaking ahead of his visit, Mr Zelensky said the US was “ready to support us” in pursuing peace. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed that President Trump had agreed to increase pressure on Russia if a peace deal cannot be reached.

Ukraine’s eastern front remains under strain, with ongoing fighting threatening fragile hopes of a negotiated settlement. Today’s meeting at No 10 is seen as an important moment to reaffirm Britain’s role as one of Ukraine’s most committed allies.

With the Alaska talks approaching, the coming days could prove decisive in determining whether the conflict moves towards diplomacy—or continues into another prolonged phase of war.