Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s President, arrived at Blenheim Palace today with high hopes for continued European unity and support.
As he was warmly greeted by Sir Keir Starmer, the new British Prime Minister, Zelensky expressed his gratitude for the UK’s steadfast backing in Ukraine’s fight against Russia.
The European Political Community summit, taking place at this historic residence near Oxford, serves as a platform for Zelensky to rally European leaders around his country during these challenging times.
During his visit, Zelensky is set to engage in discussions with approximately 45 European leaders. His agenda includes separate talks with Prime Minister Starmer and a planned audience with the King.
The Ukrainian President’s arrival at Blenheim Palace was marked by a heartfelt hug from Starmer, who assured him of continued support.
Zelensky emphasized the importance of this backing, noting that the UK has shown exceptional leadership from the outset of the conflict with Russia.
Financial Challenges and Support
Despite Zelensky’s optimistic outlook, there are concerns about future financial support. Germany, a significant donor, plans to reduce its aid to Ukraine from around €8 billion in 2024 to €4 billion in 2025, according to a draft of next year’s budget.
German officials hope that Ukraine will be able to cover most of its military needs with $50 billion in loans from frozen Russian assets.
German Finance Minister Christian Lindner assured that Ukraine’s financing is secure for now, thanks to European and G7 support.
However, this reduction in aid comes at a difficult time, particularly with the potential for decreased American support if Donald Trump returns to the White House in November.
Continued Support and European Unity
Zelensky underscored the importance of European unity in his pre-meeting statements, stressing that strong decisions emerge from a united front. He acknowledged Britain’s ongoing support on social media, praising the UK’s early and resolute response to the invasion.
Additionally, Zelensky mentioned plans to sign an intergovernmental agreement focused on supporting Ukraine’s defense and industrial capabilities, and to discuss future defense cooperation.
Tensions with Hungary and Orban’s Visit
The summit also saw some tension due to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s recent visit to Moscow. Orban’s trip, which he described as a ‘peace mission,’ included stops in Kyiv, Beijing, and former U.S. President Donald Trump’s circle.
Zelensky expressed concern over Orban’s efforts, suggesting that resolving issues behind closed doors could undermine collective European and NATO interests.
Despite this, Orban assured reporters at Blenheim that Hungary stands with Ukraine, though he emphasized that a battlefield resolution is unlikely.
As the summit progresses, the focus remains on strengthening alliances and ensuring robust support for Ukraine amidst evolving international dynamics.
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