Zelenskyy hopes Reform UK councils will restore Ukraine flag displays
7 reported
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an interview with the Guardian after talks with European leaders in London, addressed the decision by some Reform UK councils to remove the Ukrainian flag, calling it a “small mistake that can break a big friendship.” He stressed the importance of strong bilateral relations and said he hopes the flags will be put back. Zelenskyy also discussed Ukraine’s military position, stating it is the strongest it has been in more than two years and that “Russia is not winning.” He revealed plans to invite King Charles for a state visit to Ukraine as early as this year, and disclosed he pressed UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over funds from Roman Abramovich’s £2.4bn sale of Chelsea FC, which the government has earmarked for humanitarian purposes in Ukraine. Zelenskyy reiterated the importance of Ukraine joining NATO and called for closer alignment between the UK and Europe on sanctions against Russia.
What’s reported
Zelenskyy said the decision by some Reform UK councils to take down the Ukrainian flag was a “small mistake that can break a big friendship.”
He stated Ukraine’s military position is the strongest it has been for more than two years and that “Russia is not winning.”
Zelenskyy plans to invite King Charles for a state visit to Ukraine as early as this year.
He pressed Starmer over funds from Roman Abramovich’s £2.4bn sale of Chelsea FC, earmarked for humanitarian purposes in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy said he wants the UK to be aligned with the rest of Europe on sanctions.
He reiterated that it would be in the interests of western allies and Kyiv for Ukraine to join NATO.
Zelenskyy suggested turning over the proceeds of the Chelsea sale could help fund antiballistic missiles.
Key figures
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian president
Keir Starmer, UK prime minister
Emmanuel Macron, French president
Friedrich Merz, German chancellor
King Charles
Donald Trump, US president
Nigel Farage, Reform UK party leader
Roman Abramovich, Russian billionaire
Sources: The Guardian
