‘Determined to end Russia’s...’ UK commits ‘unwavering support’ to Ukraine, signs USD 2.84 billion loan deal after fallout with US

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to 10 Downing Street on Saturday (local time), assuring him of the UK's continued support, Al Jazeera reported. 

The meeting came a day after Zelenskyy's tense exchange with former US President Donald Trump at the White House. As Zelenskyy arrived, crowds outside Downing Street cheered in support, where Starmer hugged him and ushered him inside, as per Al Jazeera. 

“You're very, very welcome here in Downing Street,” Starmer told Zelenskyy. “And as you heard from the cheers on the street outside, you have full backing across the United Kingdom. We stand with you, with Ukraine, for as long as it may take.” 

My support for Ukraine is unwavering.

The UK stands with you, @ZelenskyyUa. pic.twitter.com/PsVKyRHKvx

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) March 1, 2025

Zelenskyy responded that he had seen the hundreds of supporters gathered outside Downing Street and that “I want to thank you, the people of the United Kingdom, for such big support from the very beginning of this war. I'm very happy that His Majesty the King accepted my meeting tomorrow, and we are very happy in Ukraine that we have such a strategic partner,” he added. “We count on your support.” 

Ukraine signs loan deal with UK 

The United Kingdom and Ukraine signed a £2.26 billion (Rs 22,513 crores / USD 2.84 billion) loan agreement on Saturday to strengthen Ukraine's defence capabilities. London described the deal as a sign of “our unwavering and ongoing support for the Ukrainian people.” 

It was an honour to welcome @ZelenskyyUa to Downing Street and reiterate my unwavering support for Ukraine.

I am determined to find a path that ends Russia's illegal war and ensures a just and lasting peace that secures Ukraine’s future sovereignty and security.

Slava Ukraini. pic.twitter.com/N2EQfYKoBi

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) March 1, 2025

According to Al Jazeera, the agreement was signed virtually by UK Finance Minister Rachel Reeves and her Ukrainian counterpart Sergii Marchenko while Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in London.  

The loan is set to be repaid using profits from frozen Russian sovereign assets. 

Following their discussions, Starmer shared a post on X, where he emphasised the UK's unwavering stance against Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine. Starmer also shared a video where he hugged him and ushered him inside, and wrote, “Action, not just words. Britain stands with Ukraine today and always.” 

Action, not just words.

Britain stands with Ukraine, today and always pic.twitter.com/pDFRjKQYH6

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) March 1, 2025

Starmer's office had earlier confirmed his meeting with Zelenskyy ahead of a European leaders' summit on Sunday. The discussions will focus on shoring up support for “securing a just and enduring peace” in Ukraine. Sunday's summit is also expected to address the need for Europe to increase defence cooperation amid fears about whether the US will continue to support Ukraine or NATO.  

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by DNA staff and is published from ANI)