Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met today with King Charles following a high-level summit with European leaders in London, where he was urged to improve his ties with President Trump.
The Ukrainian President, dressed entirely in black, was photographed greeting King Charles with a handshake, while the monarch smiled warmly. This took place outside the king’s Sandringham residence, after Zelensky had flown in by helicopter from London.
This encounter took place merely two days after Zelensky’s tumultuous meeting at the White House, where he faced criticism from President Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The American leaders reprimanded Zelensky for not showing sufficient gratitude for the support Ukraine has received and for not agreeing to Trump’s proposal to begin peace talks with Russia.
People had gathered near the estate in Norfolk, eager to catch a glimpse of the Ukrainian President, with many waving the blue and yellow flag of Ukraine.
King Charles has previously expressed his support for Ukraine, condemning the “indescribable aggression” that the country has endured after what he described as Russia’s “unprovoked attack on their land.”
Last year, the king praised the Ukrainian people for their “truly remarkable courage and resilience in the face of such human tragedy.”
Following his heated confrontation with Trump, Zelensky has worked to strengthen his bonds with European leaders. In London, he was largely welcomed as a hero, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer telling world leaders that Ukraine’s success is “vital to the security of every nation here and many others too.”
However, Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni, who has developed a close relationship with Trump, was one of the leaders urging Zelensky to repair his relationship with the U.S. to prevent the West from becoming divided over the ongoing war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year.
“It’s very, very important that we avoid the risk that the West divides over Ukraine,” Meloni said, according to a translation.
Meloni, the only European leader to attend Trump’s inauguration, spoke with the former president before the London summit and called for an urgent meeting with the U.S. to address the situation.
Following his discussion with Meloni, Zelensky emphasized the need for unity: “It is important to maintain unity around Ukraine and strengthen our country’s position in cooperation with our allies – the countries of Europe and the United States.”
He added, “Ukraine needs peace backed by robust security guarantees.”
Zelensky’s meeting with King Charles takes place ahead of Trump’s anticipated second state visit to the UK. This visit was proposed by Prime Minister Starmer, who presented Trump with an official invitation during their meeting earlier this week.
Although it is uncommon for U.S. presidents to be offered a state visit during their second term, Starmer said this gesture followed the “tremendous success” of Trump’s first visit to the UK in 2019.
{Matzav.com}