On the morning of October 24, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was in the UK to hold talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and about 20 other European leaders. The meeting took place in London with the aim of discussing measures to increase military aid to protect Ukraine from Russian attacks, especially as winter approaches.
Before arriving at Downing Street, Mr. Zelensky met King Charles at Windsor Castle. This is the third meeting known between the two this year.
The London meeting focused on urgent issues: Helping protect Ukraine's power grid, enhancing air defense capabilities, and most importantly, providing Kiev with long-range missiles capable of hitting deep into Russian territory.
The meeting was seen as an effort to show solidarity and reassurance to Kiev, after a volatile week of US policy. The announcement and postponement of a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin by US President Donald Trump, along with a seemingly " reconnected" meeting with President Zelensky, has raised concerns about US commitments.
"We need to address some major questions about future roles," Prime Minister Starmer said, acknowledging the current uncertainties. He also told Zelensky that the Western allies could do more to enhance Kiev's long-range missile capabilities.
The supply of long-range missiles is one of Ukraine's top priorities. The UK and France have already provided Storm Shadow and Scalp missiles, but Kiev is particularly keen on German equivalent Taurus missiles, a move that Berlin has long opposed over concerns about escalating tensions with Russia.
At the meeting, Mr. Starmer is expected to announce the acceleration of an anti-aircraft missile production program, aiming to provide Ukraine with more than 5,000 weapons of this type.
In addition, the leaders also discussed the idea of establishing a future reassurance force for Ukraine if a ceasefire agreement is signed. The force could include air and sea support, as well as training, rather than deploying Western infantry, the officials said.
