Zelensky Meets King Charles III at Windsor Castle
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met King Charles III at Windsor Castle on Monday following discussions with Ukraine's European allies.
After their private meeting, Zelensky expressed gratitude to the UK for its "ironclad" support and disclosed plans to invite the King for a state visit to Ukraine in the near future.
Joint Statement from Ukraine and European Leaders
This meeting followed a joint statement issued by the leaders of Ukraine, the UK, France, and Germany calling for a "just and lasting" resolution to the conflict with Russia.
Following talks in London on Sunday, Zelensky, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz affirmed their commitment to "stand firmly with Ukraine."
Zelensky's Social Media and Interview Comments
After his meeting with the King, Zelensky took to social media to thank the monarch and the people of the UK for their continued support. He also shared a photograph of himself alongside King Charles III in the halls of Windsor Castle.
In an interview with newspaper, Zelensky revealed his intention to invite King Charles III to Ukraine for an official state visit potentially as early as this year.
Regarding the decision by several Reform UK councils to remove Ukrainian flags from outside town halls, Zelensky commented:
"I hope they will put it back"
"I don't want to be involved in any political things, but you know, the world is so sensitive today. Sometimes little, small mistakes can break big friendships or huge contacts."
Reform UK Response
In response, a spokesperson for Reform UK told the BBC:
"It is an entirely reasonable position to support the people of Ukraine in their fight against Russia, whilst also believing that only domestic flags should be flown from public buildings at home."
Call for Ceasefire and Condemnation of Attacks
In a joint statement on Sunday evening, Sir Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, and Friedrich Merz urged Russia to agree to an "immediate and complete ceasefire" and condemned the country's "large-scale missile and drone attacks" on Ukrainian cities.
The three Western leaders who met at 10 Downing Street form the so-called E3 group and are among Kyiv's strongest allies.
The UK and France lead the "coalition of the willing" initiative, which aims to provide security guarantees for Ukraine as part of any future peace negotiations.
