Two days after his tense exchange with Donald Trump At the White House, Volodymyr Zelensky is expected in London this Sunday, where he will be received by King Charles III. This meeting, described as "unprecedented" by former British minister Denis MacShane, marks the United Kingdom's strong support for Ukraine, as diplomatic tensions with Washington intensify. The British monarchy, usually withdrawn from political affairs, is thus sending a direct message to Moscow.
This trip is part of a strategic context, as London hosted a crucial European summit on Sunday on support for Ukraine. Emmanuel Macron, Olaf Scholz, Giorgia Meloni, and Ursula von der Leyen will discuss new security guarantees for Kyiv, in the face of an increasingly hesitant America. The recent spat between Trump and Zelensky has highlighted a risk of American disengagement, with the former president urging Kyiv to accept a ceasefire with Moscow.
London is strengthening its commitment to Ukraine with a €2,74 billion loan signed on Saturday, intended to finance the production of weapons on Ukrainian soil. An initiative that illustrates the European desire to compensate for a possible withdrawal of American military support. At the same time, Zelensky is increasing diplomatic efforts to avoid a scenario where Ukraine would be forced into a peace dictated by Moscow. By receiving Zelensky, King Charles III is not content with a symbolic gesture: he is further legitimizing the United Kingdom's position as a pillar of Western support for Ukraine.
