By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at Downing Street, aiming to solidify European support for Ukraine as the conflict with Russia intensifies. With the war entering its third winter, Zelensky presented his "victory plan" to ensure continued Western backing, which he views as crucial to Ukraine's ongoing defense efforts.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of growing geopolitical uncertainty. The possibility of Donald Trump returning to the US presidency raises concerns about a shift in American support for Ukraine. Trump has been more skeptical of US involvement in the war, potentially leaving Ukraine more reliant on European allies like the UK. Sir Keir, however, pledged the UK’s unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine, emphasizing the global stakes of the conflict.
Zelensky’s "victory plan" remains closely guarded, but it is believed to focus on securing more Western military aid, particularly long-range weapons, and advancing Ukraine's NATO membership. UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles, which have been a focal point of Ukraine’s military strategy, were discussed during the meeting. Zelensky has consistently advocated for using these missiles to strike Russian military logistics within Russian territory, but so far, this request has met resistance from Western powers, including the US and Germany. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who also attended the meeting, indicated that each ally must decide individually how their supplied weapons are utilized.
The issue of using long-range missiles on Russian soil remains a delicate one. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that such actions would be considered an escalation, sparking concerns within NATO about potential repercussions from the Kremlin. Despite this, there is support within Whitehall to loosen restrictions on Storm Shadow missile use. However, the UK government is hesitant to act unilaterally without broader international backing. The UK has already provided £12.8 billion in military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine since the conflict began in February 2022. The country also continues to host over 200,000 Ukrainian refugees. Starmer assured Zelensky of the UK’s dedication to maintaining this level of support, reinforcing Ukraine’s position as a key partner within Europe. The prime minister reaffirmed his belief that the conflict is not only a fight for Ukraine but a critical battle for global security.
During the talks, Rutte also highlighted the importance of Ukraine's success in the war, describing it as vital not just for Ukrainian sovereignty but for the stability of the broader European region. Both leaders stressed the significance of Ukraine’s future NATO membership as part of a long-term strategy to deter Russian aggression. Rutte emphasized NATO’s role in ensuring collective security, a point he believes even former US President Trump understands. With the conflict nearing its third anniversary, Zelensky is keenly aware that Western war fatigue could jeopardize future support. He has ramped up his diplomatic efforts in Europe to bolster military aid and security guarantees, especially as US political dynamics shift. A summit in Ramstein, Germany, aimed at discussing long-range missiles, has been delayed due to US President Joe Biden’s focus on Hurricane Milton recovery efforts.
Zelensky’s latest visit to Downing Street serves as a reminder of the critical need for Western unity as the war drags on. With European allies continuing to offer strong backing, Ukraine’s path forward will likely hinge on sustaining this international coalition amid growing challenges.
