Zelenskyy meets with UK PM Starmer, King Charles III to discuss defense cooperation, Russia sanctions

Reuters reported the information.

Zelenskyy met with King Charles III at Windsor Castle.

"Audience with King Charles III. I thank His Majesty, the royal family, and all Britons for supporting our people. This is extremely valuable for Ukraine," the president wrote on Telegram.

Zelenskyy also held a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, expressing gratitude for the UK's support and solidarity with Ukraine, as well as assistance in protecting lives. Thanks to this cooperation, thousands of our people's lives have been saved from Russian attacks, the president emphasized, adding that today the main goal is precisely this—to save as many lives as possible, to stop Russian terror, and to force Russia to think about peace rather than expanding the war.

"First—maximum political and diplomatic coordination. Second—the development of our joint defense projects and weapons production. We are increasing investment in production and preparing for further development of defense cooperation. Third—sanctions against Russia for the war, which will truly make it impossible for Russia to scale up its weapons production. In particular, we will provide our partners with a list of Russian enterprises involved in the production of the Oreshnik and other means that the Russians use for terror," the head of state reported.

He stressed that all companies and individuals involved in this must be blocked in at least the key jurisdictions of the world. Currently, most companies participating in the production of the Oreshnik are not under sanctions.

"We will fix this. Cooperation with Russian weapons manufacturers is a crime against peace. That is exactly how it should be regarded. I thank everyone who helps to reduce Russia's defense potential," Zelenskyy concluded.

Suspilne, citing presidential spokesperson Serhii Nykyforov, reported that during his visit, the President of Ukraine will meet with King Charles III, Prime Minister Starmer, and the speakers of both houses of Parliament. Zelenskyy will also meet with Ukrainian soldiers undergoing training in the United Kingdom and with representatives of think tanks.

Zelenskyy initially announced his visit on social media.

"Today, during my visit to the United Kingdom, I will be discussing this very issue with our partners — our defense, which must become the foundation of a much stronger collective security," Zelenskyy said.

He added that talks would also focus on new and tougher actions to pressure Russia and stop further attacks.

• On the night of June 23, Russian forces launched drone and missile strikes across Ukraine. There were deaths and injuries reported in Kyiv and the surrounding region.