Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at Downing Street at 9:30 GMT and was greeted on the red carpet by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who welcomed him with a warm embrace on the doorstep of No 10.
Prime Minister Starmer reiterated that Britain stands ready to increase pressure on Russia, including tougher sanctions and the deployment of a reassurance force once hostilities cease.
Both leaders warned that Ukraine must not be sidelined as talks between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin loom in Alaska. Starmer stressed that “international borders must not be changed by force” and said sanctions should be strengthened if Moscow rejects a ceasefire deal.
On Monday, President Trump suggested there might have to be “some swapping, changes in land” between Russia and Ukraine in order to secure a truce—a proposal that President Zelensky has already rejected as incompatible with Ukraine’s constitution and sovereignty.
A 19-year-old Ukrainian refugee, who asked to remain anonymous, told reporters she would never support a ceasefire that required ceding Ukrainian territory. “Civilians who stayed in the front territories died to protect their land,” she said. “Ukraine needs to be a player and have a voice in these talks. If Ukraine isn’t included, it doesn’t give me hope.”
The walls of No 10 may have witnessed today’s high-profile meeting, but the pivotal moment arrives tomorrow in Alaska. The Trump–Putin summit is scheduled for Friday, August 15, at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson in Anchorage, marking the first US-hosted face-to-face meeting between the two since Osaka in 2019.
Key takeaways
- Meeting venue: Downing Street, London, 9:30 GMT today.
- Purpose: Rally European support for Ukraine and send a unified message ahead of the Alaska summit.
- Starmer’s stance: Ready to ramp up sanctions and deploy peacekeeping forces to secure a ceasefire.
- Trump’s warning: Land “swapping” may be on the table to end the conflict.
- Refugee view: Giving up territory is unacceptable; Ukraine must have representation in any negotiations.
- Summit details: Trump–Putin meeting on August 15 at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson, Alaska.
Summit participants at a glance
| Leader | Position | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sir Keir Starmer | UK Prime Minister | 10 Downing Street, London | August 14, 2025 |
| Volodymyr Zelensky | President of Ukraine | 10 Downing Street, London | August 14, 2025 |
| Donald Trump | President of the United States | Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson, AK | August 15, 2025 |
| Vladimir Putin | President of Russia | Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson, AK | August 15, 2025 |
Looking ahead
In Alaska, all eyes will be on Trump and Putin as they hold a “listening session” with no Ukrainian presence at the table. European leaders fear that sidelining Kyiv could force Ukraine into concessions on its borders.
Tomorrow’s outcome may determine the course of the war in Ukraine, the future of European security, and the credibility of Western unity.
For further context, the “Coalition of the Willing”—co-chaired by Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged to back Ukraine with sanctions, economic measures and plans for a peacekeeping force if Russia refuses a ceasefire in Alaska.
The choice of Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson for the summit reflects its Cold War legacy as a NATO-US intelligence and missile-defense hub, underscoring the strategic stakes at play.
Tomorrow’s meeting in Anchorage may set the table for a subsequent summit in Europe, potentially including President Zelensky if both sides agree to broaden the dialogue.
