Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described the decision by some Reform UK councils to remove the Ukrainian flag as the kind of 'small mistake that can break a big friendship', underscoring the importance of strong bilateral relations. The Ukrainian president tempered his rare foray into UK domestic politics by stressing how much the two countries 'need each other' in the battle against Russia, which he said posed a threat not only to Ukraine but to Britain as well.
Ukraine's Military Position Strengthened
In an interview with the Guardian after talks with Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, and Friedrich Merz in London, Zelenskyy said Ukraine's military position was the strongest it had been in over two years. 'Russia is not winning,' he declared.
Zelenskyy revealed plans to invite King Charles for a state visit to Ukraine as early as this year, following the monarch's public show of support after personal attacks by US President Donald Trump. The Ukrainian president also disclosed that he had pressed Starmer over funds from Roman Abramovich's £2.4 billion sale of Chelsea FC, which the government has earmarked for humanitarian purposes in Ukraine, and that he wanted the UK to align with the rest of Europe on sanctions.
National Interest and Security
During his London visit, Zelenskyy sought to reassure Britons that continuing to support Ukraine was in their national interest, after successive UK governments spent over £20 billion on military, humanitarian, and economic assistance since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. 'British people helped us from the very beginning of this war, it's true. It's because of security, not only values... But it's about security in Europe. It's in the interests of the UK,' he said.
When asked whether Reform UK should reinstate Ukrainian flags on council buildings after Nigel Farage's party said only the St George's and union flags would be flown, Zelenskyy responded: 'I hope they will put it back.' He added: 'I don't want to be involved in any political things, but you know, the world is so sensitive today. Sometimes little, small mistakes can break big friendship or huge contacts. I think people have to not make mistakes, not to do anything which can break a friendship, and even if people do it [I would say:] OK, so you did it, please let's come back to the table, let's speak, let's understand each other.'
Unity Against Russia
Zelenskyy emphasised that with Russia as a neighbour, European nations must stand together. Putin had maintained control in Russia for three decades based on 'pressure on his society and pressure on Europe' rather than economic success. Resistance to Russia's war in Ukraine represented a 'big chance to be really independent' from Moscow's influence on Europe, he added, saying: 'So we can't lose each other with UK.'
With the UK government under pressure to increase military spending, Zelenskyy highlighted the importance of allies continuing to invest in their own defence, offering to share Ukraine's 'priceless' technological experience. 'It's very important to invest not only in military, to invest in Ukrainian military... because of this war, we have such experience. There is no price of this experience. It's not about money, it's about people's lives. We will share this priceless information and experience with our allies.'
NATO Membership and Sanctions
Before a NATO summit in Ankara next month, Zelenskyy reiterated that it would be in the interests of Western allies, as well as Kyiv, for Ukraine to join. 'We spoke a little bit about it with the E3 countries [France, Germany, and the UK]. They understand that today to have Ukraine in NATO, it's in the interests of NATO. Of course, it's also in the interests of us, to be a part of big alliance, and to be with our friends who helped us during the war, to strengthen NATO.'
Zelenskyy suggested that the proceeds from the Chelsea sale could help fund antiballistic missiles to shoot down Russian weapons targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Officials are preparing for a possible court case after the Russian billionaire failed to release the funds by the deadline. 'The prime minister told me that he's trying his best, and I know that our diplomatic teams speak about it, and of course, it's a difficult moment. We need more security, and we are trying, through the Purl programme, to buy antiballistic missiles from the United States. They are very expensive, and of course this money can help, and it's fair between us. So Russia began this war. Why not use Russian money?'
He joked that Abramovich had not brought the money when they met in Kyiv last month. 'He didn't bring this money. I said: We need your money.'
Zelenskyy said he had asked Starmer and allies for more help 'closing the sky' from Russian attack and for funds to put Ukrainian soldiers on professional contracts. After the UK was forced to reassure Kyiv its new sanctions policy on Russia did not weaken restrictions, Zelenskyy said 'of course' he would like to see Britain and Europe closer aligned on the issue. Although he welcomed UK sanctions against Russia's shadow fleet, he said Ukraine needed more sanctions against Moscow 'as quickly as possible' to deter Putin from escalating the conflict.
