Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met today with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in London, at the start of his European tour, during which he will talk to key allies in an attempt to gain greater support, Agence France-Presse reported, quoted by BTA.
Keir Starmer told Rutte that he and Volodymyr Zelensky had discussed the plan for Ukraine's victory.
“This is not just about Ukraine, it's about protecting the West and how to stay safe,“ said Mark Rutte.
Zelensky's plan, which remains secret at this stage, is due to be presented at a peace summit in November. However, the dates for the meeting have not yet been confirmed by Kiev. In recent days, Zelensky has repeatedly reiterated that he wants to force Moscow to the negotiating table to accept Kiev's terms, AFP recalls.
“It is very important that we show our continued commitment to supporting Ukraine“, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said as he welcomed the Ukrainian leader.
The United Kingdom has been one of Kiev's main supporters since the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This is the second time Zelensky has visited London since the Labour Party took power in the country.
Zelensky's European tour, which includes visits to Paris, Rome and Berlin, begins against the backdrop of the ongoing offensive by the Russian army in eastern Ukraine, AFP notes. The tour also comes just weeks before the US presidential election, the uncertain outcome of which has raised concerns in Kiev about continued US support.
Later today, Zelensky will hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. He will then travel to Rome for meetings with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni before meeting Pope Francis at the Vatican tomorrow morning.
The tour will conclude in Berlin, where Zelensky will meet with Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The German government plans to halve military aid to Ukraine by 2025.
Zelensky was due to attend a meeting at the US base "Ramstein" dedicated to Ukraine's defence. However, the meeting was postponed after US President Joe Biden cancelled his trip due to Hurricane "Milton".