King Charles will hold an official audience with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Sandringham on Sunday, in a show of support following his tense exchange with US President Donald Trump and Vice-President JD Vance at the White House. The meeting comes as the UK and EU demonstrate their unwavering backing for Ukraine.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer will also host European heads of government, along with the leaders of Canada and Turkey, at a defence summit in London aimed at presenting a united front on the Ukraine crisis. On arrival in Downing Street on Saturday, Zelensky expressed his happiness that the King had agreed to meet him.
The offer of a royal audience is seen as a deliberate move to give Zelensky equal treatment to Trump, who was invited for a second state visit to the UK, including a meeting with King Charles, during his recent White House visit. Reports suggest the UK may further show solidarity by unlocking billions of pounds of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine, with funds potentially redirected from green investment to defence.
The Oval Office clash, during which Trump and Vance accused Zelensky of ingratitude, has raised fears among European leaders of irreparable damage to the western alliance and peace hopes in Ukraine's war with Russia. Starmer stressed the need for Europe to stand united against President Putin, calling the current moment a turning point.
Zelensky, arriving in the UK after the diplomatic showdown, sought to repair relations, thanking Trump and the American people on social media. In contrast to the White House, he was greeted by cheering crowds in Whitehall, with Starmer walking along the pavement to embrace him. The Prime Minister told Zelensky the crowds demonstrated UK support for Ukraine and his determination to achieve a lasting peace based on sovereignty and security.
Sunday's defence summit will discuss bolstering European military support for Ukraine and maintaining Nato strength amid potential US disengagement. Leaders will also consider increasing economic pressure on Russia, with experts suggesting the Russian economy can sustain its operations for at most another year.
