ISTANBUL: Ukraine and the United Kingdom (UK) signed a loan agreement that will be "directed toward weapons production in Ukraine," President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.
In a post on X, the Ukrainian president said he had a "meaningful and warm meeting" with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, during which they discussed the challenges facing Ukraine and Europe, joint coordination efforts, measures to strengthen Ukraine’s position against Russia, and securing a just peace with security guarantees.
Zelensky noted that Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s "principled support" and highlighted that the loan agreement "will enhance Ukraine’s defence capabilities and will be repaid using revenues from frozen Russian assets."
"The funds will be directed toward weapons production in Ukraine. This is true justice – the one who started the war must be the one to pay," added Zelensky.
The Ukrainian leader also expressed gratitude to the UK government and people for their support since the start of the war, saying he was pleased to have "such strategic partners" who share the same vision for a secure future.
Zelensky is scheduled to meet King Charles on Sunday.
His visit to the UK follows a tense exchange on Friday between him, United States (US) President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance at the White House.
Trump criticised Zelensky’s stance during the discussion, while the Ukrainian leader reiterated his expectations of continued support for his country.
Meanwhile, Starmer on Saturday reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s support for Ukraine during talks with Zelensky in London, AA reported.
Zelensky arrived in London earlier on Saturday for discussions with Starmer and to attend a summit on Ukraine, which will be hosted by the British premier on Sunday and attended by several European leaders.
"You have the full backing across the UK, and we stand with you and Ukraine for as long as it takes," Starmer told Zelensky, addressing cheering crowds gathered outside Downing Street.
He emphasised the UK's "absolute" and "unwavering" determination to achieve their shared goal: "a lasting peace for Ukraine based on sovereignty and security."
Following the meeting, the Prime Minister's Office released a statement reiterating Starmer’s "unwavering support" for Ukraine.
"The prime minister restated his determination to find a path that ends Russia’s illegal war and ensures a just and lasting peace that secures Ukraine’s future sovereignty and security," a Downing Street spokesperson said.
The statement added that both leaders looked forward to continuing discussions at Sunday’s summit in London.