President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the decision by Reform UK in some local councils in Great Britain to remove the Ukrainian flag was the kind of "small mistake that can destroy a great friendship," emphasizing the importance of strong bilateral relations, The Guardian reports, according to UNN.
Details
When asked whether Reform UK should return Ukrainian flags to city council buildings as a sign of solidarity, after Nigel Farage's party stated that only the St. George's Cross and the Union Jack would be flown, he replied: "I hope they will return them."
He added: "I don't want to interfere in any political matters, but, you know, the world today is so sensitive. Sometimes small, insignificant mistakes can destroy a great friendship or huge contacts.
I think people should not make mistakes, not do anything that can destroy friendship, and even if people do it [I would say:] "Okay, you did it, please let's get back to the negotiating table, let's talk, let's understand each other."
The President of Ukraine pointed out how much the two countries "need each other" in the fight against Russia, which, according to him, poses a threat not only to Ukraine but also to Great Britain.
In an interview with the Guardian after talks with Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, and Friedrich Merz in London to discuss the next steps in the conflict, he said that Ukraine's military position is the strongest it has been in over two years. "Russia is not winning," he stated.
The President of Ukraine also reported that he, as the publication writes, "pressed" Starmer regarding the funds obtained from Roman Abramovich's sale of Chelsea Football Club for £2.4 billion, which the government allocated for humanitarian purposes in Ukraine, and that he wants Great Britain to be on par with the rest of Europe regarding sanctions.
On inviting the King to Ukraine
Zelenskyy said he plans to invite the King, whom he met later on Monday at Buckingham Palace, for a state visit to Ukraine as early as this year, following Charles's public display of support regarding personal attacks by US President Donald Trump at the White House last year, the publication writes.
During his visit to London, Zelenskyy tried to assure the British that continued support for Ukraine is in their national interest.
"The British people have been helping us since the very beginning of this war, it's true. It's because of security, not just because of values... But it's about security in Europe. It's in the interest of Great Britain," he said.
Zelenskyy said that with Russia as a neighbor, European countries must stand together. Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has maintained control in the country for three decades based on "pressure on his society and pressure on Europe," rather than on economic success, he said.
Resistance to Russia's war in Ukraine represents a "great chance to be truly independent" from Moscow's influence on Europe, he added, saying: "So we cannot lose each other along with Great Britain."
Amid the UK government being under heavy pressure over the issue of increasing military spending, Zelenskyy also emphasized the importance of Ukraine's allies continuing to invest in their own defense, adding that his country would share its "priceless" technological experience with them.
"It is very important to invest not only in the army, to invest in the Ukrainian army… because of this war we have such experience. This experience has no price. It's not about money, it's about people's lives. We will share this priceless information and experience with our allies."
About NATO
Ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey next month, which could be a turning point for the alliance, Zelenskyy reiterated that his country's accession would be in the interest of both Western allies and Ukraine.
"We talked a bit about this with the E3 countries [France, Germany, and Great Britain]. They understand that today Ukraine's presence in NATO is in the interests of NATO. Of course, it is also in our interests to be part of a large alliance and to be with our friends who helped us during the war to strengthen NATO," Zelenskyy said.
About the money from the sale of "Chelsea"
Zelenskyy suggested that transferring the funds from the sale of Chelsea to Ukraine could help finance missile defense to shoot down Russian weapons that frequently shell Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
Officials are preparing for a possible legal challenge after the Russian billionaire failed to release the funds by the deadline, amid a dispute over how they will ultimately be used.
"The Prime Minister told me that he is making every effort, and I know that our diplomatic teams are talking about this, and, of course, it is a difficult moment. We need more security, and we are trying, through the Purl program, to buy missile defense from the United States," he said.
"They are very expensive, and, of course, this money can help, and it is fair between us. So Russia started this war. Why not use Russian money?" he pointed out.
He joked that Abramovich did not bring any money with him when they met in Kyiv last month. "He didn't bring that money. I said: "We need your money," he said.
Zelenskyy said he asked Starmer and allies for more help in "closing the sky" from Russian attacks and for funds to attract Ukrainian soldiers through professional contracts.
About Great Britain's sanctions policy
After Great Britain was forced to assure Ukraine that its new sanctions policy toward Russia, which allows temporary imports of Russian oil and aviation fuel through third countries, does not weaken restrictions, Zelenskyy said, "of course," he would like to see closer alignment of actions between Great Britain and Europe on this issue.
While he welcomed UK sanctions against Russia's shadow fleet, he said Ukraine needs additional sanctions against Moscow "as soon as possible" to deter Putin from escalating his military attacks and to "fight to the end" in the conflict.
Zelenskyy met with King Charles III during his visit to Britain08.06.26, 19:48