Zelensky Humiliated by Trump, Welcomed by UK’s Charles III

Shared Tea and Conversation for About an Hour
Met with King Charles III Ahead of Trump's State Visit to the UK

After publicly clashing with U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky crossed over to Europe and on the 2nd (local time) paid a visit to King Charles III of the United Kingdom.

On this day, British media outlets including the BBC reported that President Zelensky received a warm welcome from King Charles III. President Zelensky met with European leaders such as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London for a summit to strengthen Ukraine's security, then moved to the Sandringham estate of the British royal family to meet King Charles III.

On the 2nd (local time), Ukrainian President Zelensky met with King Charles III of the United Kingdom (left). Photo by UPI Yonhap News

They met for about an hour. A royal source said that President Zelensky was "warmly welcomed" and that "the King and President Zelensky drank tea in the reception room." Afterwards, President Zelensky told reporters, "It was a very good meeting," and said, "His Majesty the King is very grateful for helping Ukraine and supporting us." He added, "King Charles III met with our soldiers who are training in the UK, and we are very thankful for the support of the British royal family."

Last year, King Charles III publicly expressed support for Ukraine, stating that Ukraine had experienced "an indescribable invasion" due to Russia's provocations. The two first met at Buckingham Palace during President Zelensky's visit to the UK in 2023. King Charles III also met with Ukrainian troops training in Wiltshire.

President Zelensky's meeting with King Charles III took place ahead of President Trump's state visit to the UK. It is known that this meeting was arranged at Ukraine's request and with the UK government's consent. President Trump received and accepted an invitation for a state visit from King Charles III through Prime Minister Starmer, who visited the U.S. on the 27th of last month, but the actual meeting with the King was held first by President Zelensky. News of President Zelensky's royal audience was only made public the day before.

On the 28th of last month (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump (right) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met at the White House in the United States and engaged in a heated debate. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

Meanwhile, the summit between the U.S. and Ukraine held on the 28th of last month ended in disaster.

According to foreign media, during the meeting at the White House that day, President Trump and President Zelensky showed differences over Russian President Vladimir Putin and the issue of a ceasefire, leading to a heated argument with raised voices. Ultimately, President Trump canceled the scheduled mineral agreement signing ceremony and joint press conference, and told President Zelensky to leave the White House.

Afterwards, President Trump criticized President Zelensky's attitude, saying, "We will not continue to fight," implying that if Zelensky does not agree to the ceasefire negotiations, the U.S. might cut support to Ukraine.

In an interview with Fox News anchor Brett Baier, President Zelensky said, "It will be difficult for Ukraine to stop Russia without U.S. support. That is why I came here and why I am talking about future negotiations," and extended a hand by saying, "I do not want to lose the U.S. as a partner." However, he ultimately refused to apologize for the clash.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.