Warm reception for Zelensky as he meets King at Sandringham

Following his attendance at a summit of European leaders concerning the end of the war in Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with King Charles III at Sandringham House. This meeting has garnered significant attention, reflecting the British monarchy's support for Ukraine.

As President Zelenskyy arrived at the King's Norfolk residence, local residents gathered outside the estate, some waving Ukrainian flags, to witness his arrival by helicopter. The visit also attracted widespread media coverage.

Prior to this, Zelenskyy participated in talks in London concerning European defense. Royal sources stated that the Ukrainian President received a "warm reception," and the meeting lasted less than an hour, with the two sharing afternoon tea in the saloon room at Sandringham House.

Zelenskyy described the meeting as "a very good meeting." He told reporters: "I am very thankful for this meeting, for the help from the UK, for the support of His Majesty. He met with our warriors who are being trained here, and we are very grateful for the support of the Royal Family."

King Charles has previously expressed his support for Zelenskyy and Ukraine, stating that the country had experienced "unimaginable aggression" following Russia's "unprovoked attack on its territory." The King stated last year that the people of Ukraine had shown "truly remarkable courage and resilience" in the face of such human tragedy.

This meeting was arranged at the request of the Ukrainian President and with the agreement of the British government. While Zelenskyy's visit was official, it was less formal than a state visit. It is worth noting that President Zelenskyy's meeting with the British King occurred much earlier than Trump's second state visit to the UK.

Labour leader Keir Starmer has unveiled a four-step plan that world leaders hope will secure peace for Ukraine. These steps include maintaining a continuous supply of military aid, as well as establishing a "coalition of the willing" to defend Ukraine under a peace agreement framework.