Zelensky Calls for Dialogue Between Trump and Starmer
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on former US President Donald Trump and UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to meet and find common ground, following Trump's repeated criticisms of the UK prime minister.
In an exclusive interview with the BBC after discussions with Sir Keir, Zelensky emphasised that while he would not dictate Trump's actions, he believes the two leaders should convene to "re-load the relationship".
A conflict ignited by US and Israeli strikes on Iran has escalated into a diplomatic dispute, with Trump reprimanding NATO allies and Starmer being criticised for his perceived lack of military response.
Zelensky cautioned against divisions among Western leaders and expressed concern about the repercussions of the war in Iran on Ukraine.
"I would really like President Trump to meet with Starmer... so that they have a common position," he said.
Trump recently labelled Starmer "no Churchill" and, although calling him a "nice man," expressed disappointment in the UK Labour leader.
Starmer responded firmly, asserting that the UK will not be drawn into a broader conflict, with Downing Street reaffirming the "enduring" US-UK relationship.
Concerns Over Middle East Conflict's Impact on Ukraine
Zelensky reiterated his apprehension about the Middle East conflict's influence on the war in Ukraine, stating that peace negotiations are "constantly postponed" due to the ongoing war in Iran.
"I have a very bad feeling about the impact of war in Iran on Ukraine," Zelensky said.
Starmer welcomed Zelensky to Downing Street on Tuesday, marking the latest stop on the Ukrainian president's tour of European capitals.
Zelensky visited Paris last week and planned to travel to Madrid on Wednesday. These visits occur as the Middle East conflict overshadows Ukraine's four-year struggle against Russia's full-scale invasion.
"I think it's really important that we are clear that the focus must remain on Ukraine," said Starmer.
Zelensky Addresses UK Parliament
During his visit to London, Zelensky addressed Members of Parliament in Westminster.
"The regimes in Russia and Iran are brothers in hatred and that is why they are brothers in weapons," Zelensky said. "And we want regimes built on hatred, to never, never win in anything. And we want no such regime to threaten Europe or our partners."
The audience in a packed Westminster committee room included Sir Keir Starmer, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Defence Secretary John Healey, and leaders of opposition parties.
Zelensky suggested that technology developed in Ukraine could have helped protect RAF Akrotiri from the drone strike which hit it earlier this month in Cyprus.
He also told British politicians that Ukraine had become pioneers by necessity in modern warfare and is now versed in techniques they can share with allies.
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