Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky received his first ceremonial welcome in the UK as King Charles greeted him at Windsor Castle on Friday morning. The two leaders shook hands in the castle's quadrangle before Zelensky was given a royal salute.
The Ukrainian national anthem played as Zelensky, dressed in black, was invited to inspect the 1st Battalion of the Grenadier Guards. He thanked Major Ben Tracey, who led the inspection as captain of the guard of honour, saying "Thank-you so much."
Following the ceremony, Zelensky was taken inside the castle for a private audience with the King while members of the public watched from the quadrangle gates.
High-level coalition talks
The ceremonial welcome preceded a crucial meeting later on Friday with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Labour) and other coalition leaders. The "coalition of the willing" gathering aims to discuss increasing pressure on Moscow and strengthening Ukraine's defences.
Leaders are considering measures to further cripple Russia's economy by removing Russian oil and gas from global markets. They will also explore ways to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's defensive capabilities.
International participation
Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Dutch Premier Dick Schoof and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte will attend the London meeting in person. Around 20 other leaders will participate virtually in the initiative led by Starmer and France's Emmanuel Macron.
Royal diplomatic history
Friday marked the fifth meeting between King Charles and Zelensky since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. The pair previously met at Windsor Castle in June and at Sandringham in March.
They also shared an audience at Blenheim Palace in July last year following a European Political Community Summit reception. Their first encounter took place at Buckingham Palace in February 2023, nearly a year after Russia's invasion began.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
