UK announces ₹24,863 crores aid to Ukraine

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy meets British PM Starmer in London

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy

London (Britain)– Following a dispute with US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in the UK the next day. He was welcomed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who embraced him and assured that the UK firmly stands behind Ukraine. Starmer further said, ‘You (Zelenskyy) have the unwavering support of the entire UK’. During their meeting, Britain announced a £2.26 billion loan (equivalent to ₹24,863 crores) for Ukraine. As concerns were being raised over the strategy European nations should adopt to support Ukraine, Britain’s assistance has brought a sense of relief and joy in Ukraine.

On 2^ndMarch, a European summit took place in London, attended by 13 countries, including France, Germany, Denmark, and Italy. The NATO Secretary General, along with the Presidents of the European Union and the European Council, was also present at the summit. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte advised Zelenskyy to restore his relations with US President Donald Trump. He said that Zelenskyy has to respect what President Trump has done so far for Ukraine. Rutte also emphasized that the US and Europe must work together to ensure Ukraine receives sufficient security assistance for future peace talks.

European Union divided over support for Ukraine

There is division within the European Union regarding support for Ukraine. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has backed Trump against Zelenskyy, saying, ‘Strong men make peace, weak men make war. Today President Trump stood bravely for peace’.

Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico declared that Slovakia will not provide financial or military aid to Ukraine, asserting that Ukraine can never bring Russia to the negotiating table through military force.