Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed hope that Reform UK councils will reconsider their decision to remove the Ukrainian flag, calling it a "small mistake that can break a big friendship" during a wide-ranging interview with the Guardian. The Ukrainian president stressed the importance of strong bilateral relations between Ukraine and the United Kingdom, emphasizing that both nations "need each other" in the fight against Russia, which he described as a threat not only to Ukraine but also to Britain.
Zelenskyy's London Meetings and Military Assessment
Speaking after talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German opposition leader Friedrich Merz in London, Zelenskyy declared that Ukraine's military position is the strongest it has been in over two years. "Russia is not winning," he asserted. The discussions focused on the next steps in the conflict, with Zelenskyy also revealing plans to invite King Charles III for a state visit to Ukraine as early as this year, following the monarch's public show of support after personal attacks by US President Donald Trump.
Appeal to Reform UK on Flags
When asked about Reform UK's policy to fly only the St George's and union flags on council buildings, Zelenskyy said: "I hope they will put it back." He added: "I don't want to be involved in any political things, but you know, the world is so sensitive today. Sometimes little, small mistakes can break big friendship or huge contacts." He urged people to avoid actions that could damage friendships and to engage in dialogue if mistakes occur.
Security and Economic Cooperation
Zelenskyy attempted to reassure Britons that supporting Ukraine is in their national interest, noting that the UK has spent over £20 billion on military, humanitarian, and economic assistance since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. "British people helped us from the very beginning of this war, it's true. It's because of security, not only values … But it's about security in Europe. It's in the interests of the UK," he said.
He also highlighted the importance of allies investing in their own defence, promising to share Ukraine's "priceless" technological experience from the war. "There is no price of this experience. It's not about money, it's about people's lives. We will share this priceless information and experience with our allies," Zelenskyy stated.
NATO Membership and Chelsea FC Funds
Ahead of a pivotal NATO summit in Ankara next month, Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine's membership would benefit the alliance. "They understand that today to have Ukraine in Nato, it's in the interests of Nato," he said, referring to discussions with France, Germany, and the UK.
Zelenskyy also pressed Starmer on releasing funds from Roman Abramovich's £2.4 billion sale of Chelsea FC, which the UK government has earmarked for humanitarian purposes in Ukraine. He suggested the money could help purchase antiballistic missiles to defend against Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. "Why not use Russian money?" he asked, joking that Abramovich did not bring the funds when they met in Kyiv last month.
Sanctions and Military Support
Zelenskyy called for closer alignment between the UK and Europe on sanctions against Russia, particularly after the UK introduced a policy allowing temporary imports of Russian oil and jet fuel via third countries. He welcomed UK sanctions against Russia's shadow fleet but urged more measures "as quickly as possible" to deter Putin from escalating the conflict.
He also requested more help to "close the sky" from Russian attacks and funds to professionalize Ukrainian soldiers, rather than relying on conscription. The Ukrainian president emphasized that resistance to Russia represents a "big chance to be really independent" from Moscow's influence on Europe, concluding: "So we can't lose each other with UK."
