The King met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday as the Ukrainian leader visited London for talks aimed at strengthening international support for his country amid the ongoing war with Russia.
His Majesty welcomed Mr Zelensky to the royal residence in central London on Wednesday, with the pair pictured shaking hands and speaking together during the meeting.
The royal audience formed part of a day of high-level engagements for the Ukrainian president, who also met Prime Minister Andy Burnham at Downing Street to discuss continued British assistance for Ukraine.
Mr Zelensky arrived in the UK alongside members of his delegation as diplomatic efforts continued to secure military support and reinforce Ukraine’s defences against Russian attacks.
Ahead of his meeting with the King, the Ukrainian president confirmed his arrival in a message posted on social media.
“Already in the UK together with my team,” he wrote. “Today, I will have an audience with His Majesty King Charles III. There will also be an important meeting with Prime Minister Andy Burnham.”
The president also expressed his gratitude for Britain’s continued backing, thanking the King, the Prime Minister and the British public for their support.
The meeting at Buckingham Palace took place against a backdrop of renewed diplomatic activity surrounding the war in Ukraine and efforts to maintain support from its international allies.
Mr Zelensky’s visit to London came as Ukraine continued to face Russian missile and drone attacks, with Ukrainian officials reporting widespread disruption to electricity supplies following overnight strikes.
During his meeting with the Prime Minister, the Ukrainian president discussed the challenges facing his country and the importance of continued assistance from Britain.
Mr Burnham reaffirmed the UK’s support for Ukraine, telling the visiting president that the country would continue to stand alongside him.
“You have seen the solidarity and the support you have got from everybody here in Britain,” the Prime Minister said.
“We are behind you and that will not change.”
Mr Burnham also referred to the difficult period Ukraine had endured amid continued bombardment, while Mr Zelensky acknowledged the importance of the country’s international partnerships.
“Our people, we survived and continue to do this because we have strong partners and I’m very proud that we have one of the strongest partners in our history and it’s your people, Andy,” Mr Zelensky said.
The Ukrainian president’s visit also coincided with an announcement from Downing Street that Britain would accelerate the delivery of lightweight multirole missiles to Ukraine. The weapons have been used to intercept Russian drones.
Further measures aimed at maintaining pressure on Moscow were also announced as part of the UK’s continued response to the conflict.
Mr Zelensky’s meetings in London came at a significant point in the diplomatic efforts surrounding the war, with Ukraine seeking to maintain military assistance and strengthen its ability to defend against Russian attacks.
The Ukrainian president indicated before his discussions that security would be a central focus, describing the forthcoming decisions as measures intended to strengthen his country’s position.
The Buckingham Palace audience provided an opportunity for the King to meet the Ukrainian leader as he continued his programme of engagements in the UK.
Charles has met Mr Zelensky on previous occasions since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, as the royal family has continued to receive international leaders at royal residences.
The King’s meeting with the Ukrainian president was one of several engagements during Mr Zelensky’s visit to London, which also included discussions with the British Government on military assistance and the wider security situation.
