UK and European Leaders Unite to Support Ukraine Amidst Tensions with Russia and the US

Image credits: UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE/AFP/Getty Images

The meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street has been a significant focus of Sunday's front pages, with many newspapers highlighting the diplomatic efforts to support Ukraine amidst tensions with Russia and the US. The Sunday People's front page features a headline reading "Hug of hope" alongside an image of Sir Keir and Zelenskyy embracing, while the Sunday Mirror reports that the prime minister offered Zelenskyy the UK's "full support" after US President Donald Trump clashed with the Ukrainian president during a meeting at the White House.

The Sunday Telegraph reports that Starmer told Zelenskyy he was "very welcome here in Downing Street" and reassured him of "our absolute determination to stand with you", marking a contrast to the heated exchange between Trump and Zelenskyy in the Oval Office on Friday. The Daily Mail reports on public figures calling for Trump's state visit to Britain to be shelved in the wake of his meeting with Zelenskyy, with politicians and military leaders saying the visit should be put on hold until the US president makes assurances about Ukraine's security.

Meanwhile, the Sunday Times reports that Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced a multibillion-pound funding package to boost British defence and arm Ukraine, with Reeves stating that "A safe and secure Ukraine is a safe and secure United Kingdom". The funding will put Ukraine in "the strongest possible position", she adds. The Sunday Express reports that Starmer called for unity with Ukraine during Zelenskyy's visit, as he attempted to save peace talks from collapsing.

The meeting between Zelenskyy and Starmer is part of a larger effort by European leaders to support Ukraine and discuss joint plans on defence and security, as US military support for Ukraine hangs in the balance after talks over a minerals deal collapsed last week. European leaders are seeking security guarantees from Washington as part of any peace deal to end Russia's war in Ukraine. The summit brings together leaders from around continental Europe, including France, Germany, Denmark, and Italy, as well as Turkey, Nato, and the EU.

Here are some key points from the summit: * The UK will provide a new loan deal for Ukraine, worth £2.26bn, to enhance Ukraine's defence capabilities * The loan will be repaid using revenues from frozen Russian assets * The UK will increase its defence spending to 2.5% of its economic output by 2027 * European leaders will discuss joint plans on defence and security to support Ukraine * The summit will focus on finding a lasting peace in Ukraine that secures their sovereignty and security * The UK and other European countries will work together to provide capacity, training, and aid to Ukraine to put it in the strongest possible position.