Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, held a private meeting with King Charles III at Windsor Castle on Monday, shortly after discussions with Ukraine’s European allies.
BBC reported that following the engagement, Zelensky praised the United Kingdom’s “ironclad” support for Ukraine and said he intends to extend an invitation to the monarch for a future state visit to Ukraine.
The meeting came on the heels of a joint statement by the leaders of Ukraine, the UK, France and Germany, in which they called for a “just and lasting” settlement to end the ongoing war with Russia.
After talks in London on Sunday, Zelensky, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirmed their commitment, stating they would “stand firmly with Ukraine”.
In a social media post following his audience with the King, Zelensky expressed gratitude to the monarch and the British public for their continued backing, also sharing a photograph of himself with King Charles inside Windsor Castle.
In an interview with The Guardian, Zelensky disclosed plans to invite Charles to Ukraine for an official state visit, potentially within the year.
He also addressed reports that some Reform UK-led councils had removed Ukrainian flags from municipal buildings.
“I hope they will put it back,” Zelensky told the newspaper.
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 friendships or huge contacts.”
Responding, a Reform UK spokesperson told the BBC: “It is an entirely reasonable position to support the people of Ukraine in their fight against Russia, whilst also believing that only domestic flags should be flown from public buildings at home.”
Meanwhile, in a joint statement issued on Sunday evening, Sir Keir, Macron and Merz urged Russia to agree to an “immediate and complete ceasefire” and condemned what they described as “large-scale missile and drone attacks” on Ukrainian cities.
The three leaders, representing the so-called E3 group, are among Kyiv’s strongest Western allies.
The UK and France also continue to lead the “coalition of the willing” initiative aimed at providing security guarantees for Ukraine as part of any eventual peace settlement.
