(VOVWORLD) - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at 10 Downing Street in London on Saturday. During the meeting, Prime Minister Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine for as long as necessary.
 Ukrainian soldiers use a US M777 howitzer during a clash with Russian forces in the Kharkiv region. (Illustrative photo: AP/VNA) |
The British government also announced a new loan of £2.6 billion ($2.85 billion) to help Ukraine acquire military equipment and enhance its defense capabilities. This loan is in addition to the UK's annual military aid commitment of £3 billion to Ukraine and will be repaid using profits from Russian assets frozen under European Union (EU) sanctions.
The UK confirmed that this loan is part of its contribution to the Group of Seven (G7) Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) initiative, which aims to provide Ukraine with 50 billion USD in financial support.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Starmer and President Zelensky continue discussions on defense cooperation at the EU leaders' summit in London. The meeting is expected to include over 10 European leaders, including those from France, Germany, Denmark, and Italy, as well as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa.
Following his visit to the UK and participation in the defense summit, President Zelensky is scheduled to meet King Charles III at the British Royal Estate in Sandringham, Norfolk.