King Charles hosts Zelensky for lunch before NATO defence talks

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine swapped military fatigues for a black blazer as he met the King for lunch at Windsor Castle.

King Charles welcomes Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky to Windsor Castle. Picture: AFP

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine swapped military fatigues for a black blazer as he met the King for lunch at Windsor Castle.

The two men were pictured chatting as they made their way through Windsor Castle, and smiling as they shook hands in the Grand Corridor.

Later on Monday (Tuesday AEST), Mr Zelensky and Keir Starmer embraced on the doorstep of No.10 Downing Street, where a red carpet had been rolled out for the Ukrainian leader.

Mr Zelensky’s arrival followed reports that Russia had fired 352 drones and 16 missiles at Ukraine, killing at least 10 civilians, including seven in Kyiv.

The King met Mr Zelensky earlier this year at Sandringham House, Norfolk. They posed briefly for photographs before taking tea in the saloon. A royal source told The Times in March that the King was “very conscious” of his global responsibility and unique diplomatic role, and was determined to put it to good use.

NATO leaders were to meet in The Hague on Tuesday for the start of a two-day summit, at which increased defence spending is at the top of the agenda. Mr Zelensky has been invited to the summit, but will not take part in its main discussions.

In a post on social media, Mr Zelensky said: “Today, during my visit to the United Kingdom, I will be discussing this very issue with our partners – our defence, which must become the foundation of a much stronger collective security. We will also be negotiating new and powerful steps to increase pressure on Russia for this war and to put an end to the strikes.”

In London, Mr Zelensky was also welcomed to the Palace of Westminster and met the House of Commons Speaker, Lindsay Hoyle, and Sir Lindsay’s counterpart in the Lords, Lord McFall of Alcluith.

Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky at No.10 Downing Street in London. Picture: AFP.

After meeting in the White Room at No.10, Mr Zelensky and Sir Keir announced a new military partnership in front of soldiers from Britain, Ukraine and other Western allies.

Sir Keir said: “This afternoon we are able to announce an industrial military co-production agreement, the first of its kind so far as Ukraine and the UK are concerned, which will be a massive step forward now in the contribution that we can continue to make, and is really a symbol of not only our joint work in this conflict, but the 100-year agreement that we’ve put in place.”

Mr Zelensky said that the agreement would “strengthen both nations” and added: “It’s very important to share our experience, your experience, on the battlefield, and your knowledge and experience during the Interflex training mission.”

Mr Zelensky also singled out soldiers from Finland and Romania present in the No.10 garden for praise.

Sir Keir commended the “professionalism, commitment and the bravery and resilience” of the soldiers being trained through the British-led Operation Interflex.

He added: “To all the trainers here, I just want to say a huge thank you on behalf of the UK and the other countries – 13 countries – now involved in this training. It’s a real show of strength, of unity amongst allies, but a real message to our adversaries as well.”

THE TIMES