The United Kingdom and Ukraine signed a £2.26 billion loan agreement on Saturday to bolster Kyiv’s defense capabilities, just a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy endured a highly publicized diplomatic clash with US President Donald Trump at the White House.
The loan, which will strengthen Ukraine’s military resources, is expected to be repaid using profits generated from sanctioned Russian sovereign assets. The agreement was signed by UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Ukrainian Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko, with the first tranche of funds set to be transferred to Ukraine later this week.
Action, not just words.
Britain stands with Ukraine, today and always pic.twitter.com/pDFRjKQYH6
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) March 1, 2025
A Warm Welcome in London
Unlike the tense and hostile meeting at the White House, Zelenskyy was met with open arms by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street. The Ukrainian President described the discussions as “warm,” emphasizing Britain’s “tremendous support” for Ukraine since the Russian invasion began three years ago.
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“We are very happy in Ukraine that we have such friends. I thank the people of the United Kingdom for their unwavering support from the very beginning of this war,” Zelenskyy said.
Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s steadfast backing for Ukraine, stating, “We stand with you and Ukraine for as long as it takes.” He also highlighted the strong bipartisan support for Ukraine across the UK political spectrum.
Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s steadfast backing for Ukraine, stating, “We stand with you and Ukraine for as long as it takes.” (Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy/X)
Public Support and Royal Meeting
As Zelenskyy arrived at Downing Street, he was greeted by enthusiastic supporters. “I hope you heard some of that cheering in the street. That is the people of the United Kingdom demonstrating their absolute determination to stand with you,” Starmer told him.
My support for Ukraine is unwavering.
The UK stands with you, @ZelenskyyUa. pic.twitter.com/PsVKyRHKvx
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) March 1, 2025
Zelenskyy is also scheduled to meet King Charles III at the Sandringham estate on Sunday. The UK monarch has previously praised the “determination and strength” of the Ukrainian people in the face of Russia’s aggression.
Trump-Zelenskyy Confrontation Sparks European Solidarity
The loan deal and Zelenskyy’s visit to London come just days before a crucial European summit focused on a Ukraine peace plan. The timing also follows a dramatic confrontation between Zelenskyy and Trump at the White House, where Trump threatened to cut US aid and accused Zelenskyy of showing “disrespect” to the United States.
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Trump’s public reprimand of the Ukrainian leader has fueled concerns about US commitment to Ukraine under his leadership. European leaders have since rallied behind Zelenskyy, underscoring growing transatlantic differences on Ukraine policy.
Ukraine’s Position on US Support and Peace Deal
Following his tumultuous White House visit, Zelenskyy reaffirmed the importance of US support in Ukraine’s fight against Russia. He also expressed willingness to sign a minerals agreement with the US but stressed that security guarantees must be part of any ceasefire arrangement.
“We are ready to sign the minerals agreement, but that alone is not enough. A ceasefire without security guarantees is dangerous for Ukraine,” Zelenskyy stated.
With Ukraine continuing to rely on Western aid and military assistance, the UK’s latest loan agreement signals a strong commitment to Kyiv amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. As Zelenskyy prepares for his meetings with European leaders and King Charles III, the future of Ukraine’s war effort—and its international alliances—remains at the forefront of global attention.
