Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy to meet UK PM Keir Starmer after clash with Donald Trump–JD Vance: Here’s what to expect

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London on Saturday (March 1), following a highly publicized clash with U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance at the White House. The meeting will take place ahead of a wider European summit on Sunday, where leaders will discuss Ukraine’s path to peace and continued support against Russia’s invasion.

A spokesperson for Kier Starmer’s office confirmed the bilateral talks, stating, "The Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy will be meeting in Downing Street this afternoon." Focus on military and security assistance

What to expect from Zelenskyy’s meeting with UK’s Keir Starmer

Military and Security assistance

• Ukraine President Zelenskyy is expected to push for continued UK military aid, including weapons, training, and financial support.
• Discussions may focus on strengthening Ukraine’s air defense systems and countering Russian offensives.
• With US support in question, Zelenskyy may seek long-term security commitments from Britain.

Diplomatic strategy and European unity

• The meeting will help coordinate a unified European response to Ukraine’s defense needs.
• Topics may include increased military cooperation, sanctions on Russia, and alternative funding sources.
• Zelenskyy is likely to emphasise the importance of European solidarity amid shifting US policy.

Fallout from White House clash

• After his tense Oval Office exchange with Trump and Vance, Zelenskyy may look to reaffirm support from European allies.
• The meeting presents an opportunity to counter concerns over US wavering on aid.
• Zelenskyy may seek Starmer’s backing in addressing diplomatic tensions with Washington.

White House clash

The London meeting follows a tense exchange at the White House, where Trump and Vance criticised Zelenskyy for his handling of the war and questioned the level of US support moving forward. Trump reportedly pressured Zelenskyy to consider a ceasefire, while Vance accused him of failing to show sufficient gratitude for past US aid. The confrontation led to the cancellation of the remainder of Zelenskyy’s White House visit and raised concerns about Washington’s future role in supporting Ukraine.

Given this backdrop, Zelenskyy will likely use his meeting with Starmer to reaffirm European support and demonstrate that Ukraine still has strong allies, even as US policy on the conflict remains uncertain.

Preparing for the European Summit

Zelenskyy’s talks with Starmer will also set the stage for Sunday’s broader European summit in London, where key leaders will discuss a unified strategy for supporting Ukraine. With US backing in question, European nations may need to reassess their commitments and explore ways to fill potential gaps in aid.

Starmer, who spoke with both Trump and Zelenskyy on Friday, has already reaffirmed Britain’s "unwavering support" for Ukraine. His meeting with Zelenskyy is expected to reinforce the UK’s commitment to assisting Kyiv in both military and diplomatic efforts.

As the geopolitical landscape shifts, Zelenskyy’s meeting with Starmer will be crucial in shaping Ukraine’s next steps, particularly as European leaders work to ensure continued support against Russian aggression.

Trump, Vance clash with Zelenskyy in heated White House exchange

A tense meeting between Zelenskyy and Donald Trump escalated into a heated exchange on Friday (February 28), with Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticising Zelenskyy over his stance on diplomacy with Russia. The argument, which took place in the Oval Office and was broadcast globally, led to the cancellation of the remainder of Zelenskyy’s White House visit and cast uncertainty over future US support for Ukraine.

Zelenskyy reaffirms gratitude for US support after heated Oval Office clash

Following a tense Oval Office exchange with Donald Trump and JD Vance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has launched a public diplomacy effort to emphasise his gratitude for American support.

In response to the criticism, Zelenskyy took to X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms to reaffirm Ukraine’s reliance on US assistance. He publicly thanked the US government, Congress, and the American people, acknowledging their critical role in Ukraine’s defense since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

Despite diplomatic tensions, Zelenskyy remains focused on securing sustained military aid and long-term security guarantees. His latest statements underscore the importance of American backing in countering Russian aggression and ensuring Ukraine’s long-term stability. With uncertainty surrounding future U.S. commitments, Zelenskyy is working to maintain strong relations with Washington while rallying support from other allies.

The fallout from Zelenskyy’s White House meeting has raised questions about US policy toward Ukraine. The confrontation, which was broadcast globally, led to the abrupt cancellation of the remainder of his visit, highlighting growing divisions over the future of American involvement in the war. As Ukraine faces increasing pressure to negotiate a settlement with Russia, Zelenskyy’s diplomatic efforts will be crucial in shaping the country’s next steps.

European leaders rally hehind Zelenskyy

European leaders have voiced strong support for  Zelenskyy after his tense Oval Office confrontation with Trump on Friday.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reassured him, stating, "You are not alone." British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who recently visited the White House himself, said he had spoken with both Trump and Zelenskyy and vowed "unwavering support" for Kyiv.

French President Emmanuel Macron has indicated his willingness to "open the discussion" on a European nuclear deterrent, following a request from Germany’s next leader, Friedrich Merz, who has stressed the urgency of reducing reliance on the United States.

Turkey, which played a role in previous negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in 2022, has also been invited to the European summit. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Saturday about the war, with Turkey reaffirming its commitment to “Ukraine’s territorial integrity.”