Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked the United Kingdom for its “ironclad” support following a private meeting with King Charles III at Windsor Castle, during which he also revealed plans to invite the British monarch for a future state visit to Ukraine.
The meeting came after the leaders of Ukraine, the United Kingdom, France and Germany issued a joint statement calling for a “just and lasting” peace agreement to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Following talks in London on Sunday, Zelensky, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine and called on Russia to agree to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
In a message posted on social media after meeting the King, Zelensky expressed gratitude to both the monarch and the British people for their continued support. He also shared a photograph taken inside Windsor Castle.
Speaking to The Guardian, the Ukrainian president said he intends to invite King Charles to Ukraine on an official state visit, potentially as early as this year.
Zelensky was also asked about decisions by several councils controlled by Reform UK to remove Ukrainian flags from outside town halls. Responding to the issue, he said he hoped the flags would be restored.
“I hope they will put it back,” Zelensky said, adding: “I don’t want to be involved in any political things, but the world is so sensitive today. Sometimes small mistakes can break big friendships or huge contacts.”
A spokesperson for Reform UK later defended the decisions, stating that while the party supports the Ukrainian people in their struggle against Russian aggression, it believes only domestic flags should be displayed on public buildings in the United Kingdom.
In their joint statement, Starmer, Macron and Merz condemned Russia’s continued large-scale missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities and reiterated their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The three European leaders, together with the UK, form the so-called E3 group, which has emerged as one of Kyiv’s strongest diplomatic backers. The United Kingdom and France are also leading the “Coalition of the Willing” initiative, aimed at providing security guarantees for Ukraine as part of any future peace settlement.
Header image: PA Media
