King Charles has extended an invitation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to visit the United Kingdom for Ukraine Day in 2025, according to sources. The invitation comes amid heightened diplomatic efforts to secure a peace deal in Ukraine, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasising the importance of US backing.
Mr Starmer told MPs that US President Donald Trump is 'sincere' in his commitment to ending the war, but Mr Trump launched a fresh attack on European leaders, questioning their strategy. 'What are they thinking?' Mr Trump posted on Truth Social, criticising Mr Zelensky's statement that peace is 'very, very far away'.
The Prime Minister stressed that Britain is prepared to deploy peacekeeping forces as part of a 'coalition of the willing', but only with strong US support. He described the US as an 'indispensable ally' and said it would be 'utter folly' to send troops without American backing.
Mr Starmer also noted that Mr Zelensky was 'taken aback' by the public support he received during his weekend visit to London, with crowds cheering him in Whitehall. The Prime Minister reaffirmed the UK's unwavering support for Ukraine, a sentiment echoed across party lines in Parliament.
