In London on Saturday, Zelensky and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a loan agreement worth £2.26 billion (approximately $2.84 billion USD) to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities amid the ongoing war with Russia.
During their meeting at Downing Street, Starmer reiterated Britain's 'unwavering determination' to support Ukraine, emphasizing that the country has the 'full backing' of the United Kingdom.
The loan, which will be repaid through profits from frozen Russian assets, is intended to enhance Ukraine's weapons production capacity, helping the country defend itself against continued Russian aggression.
Zelensky expressed his gratitude for the support, calling the meeting with Starmer 'meaningful and warm.'
He also praised the UK's consistent backing since the start of the conflict, confirming that the funds would be directed towards the production of weapons in Ukraine.
'This is true justice â€" the one who started the war must be the one to pay,' Zelensky stated.
The loan agreement follows months of discussions and was first announced in October, with the funds set to bolster Ukraine's frontline military equipment.
Zelensky's visit also comes ahead of a major defense summit in London, where European leaders will discuss a peace plan for Ukraine, with Starmer suggesting that such a deal would require U.S. involvement.
Zelensky's successful negotiation with the UK contrasts sharply with his tense meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump just a day earlier.
On Friday, Zelensky's visit to the White House quickly descended into discord when U.S. Vice President JD Vance demanded that Zelensky be more thankful for America's support and pressured him to consider a ceasefire with Russia.
The exchange escalated into a shouting match, with Zelensky being asked to leave the White House early.
Trump, who had hoped to secure a minerals deal with Ukraine during the meeting, accused Zelensky of "gambling with World War Three" by not agreeing to Washington's terms for peace talks.
Tensions reached a boiling point when Zelensky warned Trump that appeasing Russia would only lead to more conflict, not peace, in Europe. The meeting ended without a signed agreement, leaving the planned minerals deal unfinished, with Trump turning to social media to write, "Come back when you're ready for peace."
Wycliffe Nyamasege
