Zelensky meets Starmer in London after EU setback on frozen Russian assets

Shiva K Dhakal
National Press Corporation(NPC)
uknepalpress.com
United Kingdom—Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been welcomed by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer outside 10 Downing Street ahead of talks focused on the ongoing war with Russia.

The pair embraced on the red carpet before entering No 10 for discussions with what officials are calling a “coalition of the willing” — a group of European partners committed to sustaining military and financial aid to Kyiv.

Sir Keir is expected to urge European leaders to increase supplies of long-range missiles to Ukraine. His meeting with Mr Zelensky comes days after Kyiv successfully targeted a Russian chemical plant using UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles.

Earlier, Mr Zelensky met King Charles at Windsor Castle — his third audience with the monarch this year.

The visit follows Ukraine’s disappointment at failing to secure an immediate deal on the use of frozen Russian assets to fund a €140bn (£122bn) loan for Ukraine. Although European Union leaders meeting in Brussels reached a provisional understanding, a final decision was deferred.

Mr Zelensky said he was encouraged by progress in strengthening Ukraine’s air defences and welcomed Finland and Spain’s decision to join the coalition of countries providing weapons.

Meanwhile, in Washington, former US President Donald Trump has announced new sanctions targeting two of Russia’s largest oil companies in an attempt to pressure Moscow into renewed peace negotiations.