Following a strained encounter with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy secured a significant £2.26 billion loan agreement with the United Kingdom on Saturday. This financial boost, aimed at fortifying Ukraine's defense capabilities, will be repaid using profits from sanctioned Russian assets.

The loan agreement was formally signed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Ukrainian Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko, with the initial disbursement of funds expected to reach Ukraine within the coming week.

In contrast to the tense atmosphere of his meeting with Trump, Zelenskyy received a warm reception from Labour leader Keir Starmer outside 10 Downing Street. Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for the UK's "immense support" since the Russian invasion three years prior, while Starmer reaffirmed the UK's "unwavering commitment" to Ukraine.

Starmer emphasized to Zelenskyy, ahead of a crucial European summit on a proposed Ukraine peace plan, that he had "complete support across the United Kingdom." He pledged, "We stand with you and Ukraine for as long as needed."

Zelenskyy's arrival at Downing Street was met with cheers from onlookers, and Starmer greeted him with a hug before escorting him inside.

Starmer conveyed to Zelenskyy, "I hope you heard the cheers from the street. This demonstrates the public’s support for you and our determination to stand alongside you."

Zelenskyy responded, "We in Ukraine are very grateful for such friends. I thank the British people for their significant support from the war's outset."

The UK has consistently voiced its support for Ukraine, and King Charles, who is scheduled to meet Zelenskyy on Sunday, has also expressed his solidarity. King Charles has previously acknowledged the "determination and resilience" of the Ukrainian people in the face of Russia's aggression.

"I am very pleased that His Majesty the King has agreed to meet with me tomorrow," Zelenskyy told Starmer.

According to reports, Zelenskyy will meet with the King at his Sandringham estate in eastern England.

Zelenskyy's meeting with Starmer was moved forward from its original Sunday schedule due to the preceding day's contentious encounter with Trump at the Oval Office.

During that meeting, Trump threatened to withdraw U.S. support for Ukraine and accused Zelenskyy of disrespecting the United States.

The confrontation escalated to the point where Zelenskyy left the White House without finalizing a minerals agreement intended to strengthen economic and defense ties between Kyiv and Washington.

Following the Trump meeting, several European leaders voiced their support for Zelenskyy and Ukraine, highlighting the growing divergence between the U.S. and Europe on the conflict since Trump's return to office.

Zelenskyy stated on Saturday that U.S. support remained vital to Ukraine's fight against Russia and that he was prepared to sign the minerals deal. However, he reiterated that agreements alone were insufficient, and that Ukraine would not accept any U.S.-backed peace plan without security guarantees for Kyiv.