Hailed by his followers as he walked into Number 10, Zelenskyy received a choreographed show of solidarity from the PM. The leaders welcomed each other with friendly hugs, with Starmer emphasizing the significance of a sustainable peace in Ukraine based on sovereignty and security. “It is so important to Ukraine, Europe, and for the United Kingdom,” Starmer continued. Zelenskyy, for his part, said thank you, saying, “We rely on your support and are truly grateful to have such friends.”
The encounter follows a tense meeting at the White House, where Zelenskyy was reportedly scolded and told that he was not grateful for American assistance. The Ukrainian president reacted emotionally to the exchange then, but now he was more conciliatory, taking to Twitter to emphasize his gratitude for the US backing of Ukraine. The Russian officials have meanwhile reacted with delight to the public spat, with Donald Trump calling the incident “great television.” Vladimir Putin is keeping his head down.
While the leaders of Europe grapple with the consequences, the threat of the US pulling military assistance from Ukraine looms. In an impromptu news conference, Germany’s Foreign Minister warned that her country must increase support for Ukraine without hesitation, saying that a “new era of profanity” has begun. She emphasized the need to defend the rules-based international order more than ever and cautioned that no free country can feel secure if the strength of the strongest is permitted to rule.
The stakes were further underscored by drone attacks on Ukraine this morning, which blasted a hospital to pieces and were a bleak reminder of the war. With the relationship between Kyiv and its top military backer, the US, reaching a new low, European leaders are now wrestling with the dilemma of filling in the void likely to be created by Washington.
A Defining Weekend for Zelenskyy and Starmer
The visit of President Zelenskyy to Downing Street is the pinnacle so far of his diplomatic tour. Exiting the meeting, he headed to the next destination of his campaign in his motorcade. The weekend was also significant for the Prime Minister, as it positioned him right between Europe and the US for creating a bridge that must be built. The warm reception he gave to Zelenskyy was at odds with the Ukrainian president’s White House visit, a show of support between the nations.
While the two leaders did not answer press queries, there have been statements from other members of the British political establishment. Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves met her Ukrainian counterpart, Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko, to signal support. Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch took to social media to highlight that the “villain” of this crisis is Russian President Vladimir Putin, illegally occupying a sovereign nation. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, an old friend of Donald Trump, meanwhile warned that the public spat between the US and Ukraine is poised to make Putin feel like he is winning.
Europe’s Role in the Crisis
With European leaders to meet tomorrow, eyes will be on how to go forward without the help of the US. Everyone is wondering whether Europe can do it by itself. Anthony Gardner, a former US Ambassador to the European Union in the Barack Obama administration, emphasized the unique role the UK has in brokering a US-Ukraine deal. But he also warned that there are just so many things the UK can do, given the current US administration’s apparent desire to destroy the European Union.
Gardner condemned the treatment of Zelenskyy in the White House as a deliberate attempt to embarrass him. “This kind of spectacle never occurred under any Republican or Democratic president,” he said. “When a foreign leader comes to the White House, they should be treated with some degree of courtesy, especially the leader of a nation that is being attacked.”
Looking ahead to next week’s European summit, Gardner made it unambiguously clear that Europe must increase its assistance to Ukraine. “This is in our fundamental interest,” he said. “We don’t want to see Russian troops control Ukraine or threaten our borders.” Europe cannot hope to fill all the voids that would be created by a US withdrawal, but Gardner was hopeful that an agreement on minerals could be reached to convince the White House of its economic stake in Ukraine’s future.
While the diplomatic crisis simmers on, the world holds its breath. The outcome of tomorrow’s summit could very well determine the fate of Ukraine and the future of global alignments in an increasingly uncertain world.
The fact that Russia is celebrating this rift between Ukraine and the US is alarming. It feels like we’re losing sight of the bigger picture: Ukraine is fighting for its survival, and this infighting among its allies only weakens the collective response. Europe needs to take the lead now.
Exactly—this is a critical moment for Europe to demonstrate leadership. The infighting among allies is a distraction from the real issue: supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. If Europe can rally together and provide consistent support, it could not only help Ukraine but also send a strong message to Russia that the international community remains united. The upcoming summit will be a pivotal moment.
I think Zelenskyy handled the situation well by staying diplomatic in London after the White House incident. It shows he’s focused on maintaining alliances, even when under pressure. But I worry that Europe might not have the resources or unity to replace US military aid if it’s withdrawn.
You’re right—Zelenskyy’s ability to remain composed and diplomatic is commendable, especially under such pressure. As for Europe, while it may not match the US’s military capabilities, it can still play a crucial role through economic aid, political support, and strategic partnerships. The key will be whether European leaders can unite and act swiftly to prevent further escalation.
It’s concerning to see how public spats between allies, like the one between Zelenskyy and the US, can undermine international solidarity. This kind of tension only benefits Russia, which seems to be reveling in the chaos. Europe needs to step up its support for Ukraine, but can it really fill the void if the US pulls back?
Absolutely, the public nature of this dispute is damaging. It not only weakens Ukraine’s position but also emboldens Russia. Europe has the capacity to increase support, but it will require unprecedented coordination and commitment. The upcoming summit will be a critical test of whether Europe can act decisively without relying on the US.