Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in the United Kingdom, marking his third visit since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
This significant visit coincides with Sir Keir Starmer’s first European leader’s summit as Prime Minister.
Upon arrival, Valeriy Zaluzhny, the newly appointed Ukrainian ambassador to the UK, greeted Zelensky. Despite previous reports of animosity between the two, they were seen warmly greeting each other on the tarmac.
The setting for this crucial summit is Blenheim Palace, near Oxford, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
Sir Keir was seen welcoming Zelensky at the grand entrance of the historic venue, where the Prime Minister is hosting the European Political Community (EPC) summit. The leaders exchanged pleasantries before proceeding inside.
During the EPC, Sir Keir highlighted the “urgent” need to support Ukraine in the coming months and years.
“Returning to school should be a moment of joy for children,” he said, emphasizing the importance of air defenses to protect Ukrainian children as they return to school after the summer break.
“The task is urgent because our security is on the line. Every day Ukraine fights not just for the Ukrainian people, but the European people, living in a continent where our belief in freedom, democracy, and the rule of law was hard-fought.”
Keir Starmer
He continued, “President Zelensky, in your struggle to uphold those values, we salute you once again. Have no doubt we will stand with you for as long as it takes.”
In his address, Zelensky invoked the legacy of Sir Winston Churchill, who was born in Blenheim Palace.
“His legend was created by his ability to be a steadfast barrier between history and cowardice. That is the key reason people still look up to him,” Zelensky stated.
“Bravery made Churchill Churchill. Bravery won the greatest battle of his life. It was the battle for Britain. Now our bravery and cooperation must achieve no less so that the children of our nations can someday look back at us, at what we have done, at what we have chosen, what we have promised, and see the pillars of their peace, their security, and their prosperity just as we see it when we look back at the most famous person from Blenheim.”
Volodymyr Zelensky
Zelensky also took to Telegram to share his thoughts, writing that Ukraine will “sign an intergovernmental agreement on support for the Ukrainian defense industry, discuss future defense cooperation, and the expansion of our defense capabilities” during the summit.
“From the first days of the full-scale invasion, Great Britain was one step ahead in its determination to support Ukraine. This is the kind of determination needed to stop Russian terror.”
Volodymyr Zelensky
Sir Keir also welcomed about 45 heads of government to the EPC at Blenheim Palace to discuss key issues such as migration, energy security, and the threat from Russia.
This summit is a step towards restoring relations between the UK and its European Union neighbors, four years after their acrimonious divorce.
UK To Play More Active Role On Global Stage
The government announced that Sir Keir will emphasize that the UK plans to “take a more active and greater convening role on the world stage,” particularly in helping Ukraine fight Russia’s invasion and combating people-smuggling gangs organizing irregular migration.
“We cannot let the challenges of the recent past define our relationships of the future. That is why European security will be at the forefront of this government’s foreign and defense priorities, and why I am focused on seizing this moment to renew our relationship with Europe.”
Keir Starmer
Although Zelensky’s attendance at the summit was uncertain, reports last weekend suggested a “90 percent” chance of his participation.
This meeting is the fourth for the EPC group, conceived by French President Emmanuel Macron in 2022 as a forum for countries both inside and outside the 27-nation EU, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which shattered Europe’s sense of security.
Previous summits have taken place in Prague, Chisinau, and Granada.
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