London – Despite the escalating conflict in Iran, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the continued importance of focusing on Ukraine, following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in London on Tuesday. The meeting underscores the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine even as new geopolitical challenges emerge in the Middle East.
Starmer stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin should not be allowed to benefit from the situation in Iran, whether through rising oil prices or the potential easing of sanctions. He referenced recent reports that the United States has temporarily loosened some sanctions on Russian oil in an effort to stabilize prices amid the heightened tensions in the region. “Obviously, there is a conflict taking place in Iran, in the Middle East, but we must not lose sight of what is happening in Ukraine and the need for our support,” Starmer said.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the UK’s ongoing support, particularly during the past winter. He indicated that he and Starmer would discuss battlefield developments, energy security, and negotiations with Russia and the United States aimed at ending the war.
During the meeting, leaders agreed to a new defense partnership focused on countering inexpensive Russian attack drones. According to a Downing Street statement, the agreement will combine “Ukrainian expertise and the UK’s industrial base” to manufacture and deliver drones and other equipment. The British government will likewise contribute £500,000 to fund a Kyiv-based center specializing in artificial intelligence. “By deepening our defense partnerships, we are strengthening Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russia’s brutal and ongoing attacks, although ensuring the UK and our allies are better prepared for future threats,” Starmer said.
Keir Starmer brit miniszterelnök, Volodimir Zelenszkij ukrán elnök és Mark Rutte NATO-főtitkár a Downing Street 10. Előtt Londonban 2026. Március 17-én – Fotó: Toby Shepheard / AFP
Earlier on Tuesday, Zelenskyy met with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace. The King received the Ukrainian president in the palace’s private audience room, where they reportedly discussed matters over tea for 25 minutes. “I began my working visit to the United Kingdom with an audience with His Majesty King Charles III. I am grateful to His Majesty and the entire Royal Family for their unwavering support and solidarity with Ukraine,” Zelenskyy wrote on X.
According to a report by The Guardian, Zelenskyy later addressed the British Parliament, where he warned that the increasing affordability of drone technology has heightened the risk of attacks worldwide. He cited Iran’s drone program, which began years ago and has been supplying drones to Russia for approximately three years, as an example. Zelenskyy stated that an Iranian drone currently costs around $50,000, while the interceptor missiles used against them cost $4 million. He explained that the proliferation of drones has made mass attacks significantly cheaper. He said some countries believe missiles are sufficient for defense against drones, but argued this is not the case. “We need not only interceptor missiles, but a complete system,” he said.
Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine requires approximately 1,000 interceptor missiles daily and is capable of producing that quantity domestically. He also noted that Ukraine possesses radars that remain operational even when signals are jammed. According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine already has the technology to counter the inexpensive Shahed drones used by Russia. “We can stop them in Europe and along the Persian Gulf,” he said. “201 Ukrainians are currently stationed in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf region, with another 34 on standby. They are military experts capable of providing assistance and protection against Iranian Shahed drones,” Zelenskyy added.
“If evil triumphs, it will be able to destroy targets at the other end of the world. Neither the oceans nor the mountains will ensure people’s safety,” the Ukrainian president concluded. Zelenskyy said Ukraine attempted to coexist peacefully with Russia, but the Russians launched two invasions against them within ten years. “Regimes like the Russians are looking for new war targets,” he stated.
