UK Government Says Starmer Remains Fully Engaged on Ukraine Despite Not Attending EU Leaders’ Meeting
Downing Street cites scheduling and diplomatic sequencing as it rejects claims of any policy rift or disengagement
The UK government has moved to clarify reports surrounding Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s absence from a recent meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European Union leaders, stressing that the prime minister remains closely involved in Ukraine-related diplomacy.
Officials said the meeting in question was an EU-specific forum and that the United Kingdom, which is no longer a member of the bloc, was represented through ongoing bilateral and multilateral engagements rather than formal attendance.
Downing Street emphasised that Sir Keir has maintained direct and regular contact with President Zelensky and European counterparts, including hosting high-level talks in London and coordinating closely with allies on military assistance, reconstruction planning and diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a durable peace.
Government sources described the prime minister’s non-attendance as a matter of scheduling and diplomatic structure rather than any political signal, noting that UK-Ukraine relations continue to be managed at the highest level.
Officials also underlined that Britain’s role has focused on bridging cooperation between European partners and transatlantic allies, particularly the United States, and that this work often takes place outside formal EU settings.
They pointed to recent UK-led initiatives on security guarantees and defence coordination as evidence of sustained leadership.
The government rejected suggestions that the absence reflected distancing from European partners, saying the United Kingdom remains a central actor in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and long-term security.
It added that future engagements with President Zelensky are already planned and that Britain will continue to work alongside European nations to advance a negotiated and lasting end to the conflict.
Officials said the meeting in question was an EU-specific forum and that the United Kingdom, which is no longer a member of the bloc, was represented through ongoing bilateral and multilateral engagements rather than formal attendance.
Downing Street emphasised that Sir Keir has maintained direct and regular contact with President Zelensky and European counterparts, including hosting high-level talks in London and coordinating closely with allies on military assistance, reconstruction planning and diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a durable peace.
Government sources described the prime minister’s non-attendance as a matter of scheduling and diplomatic structure rather than any political signal, noting that UK-Ukraine relations continue to be managed at the highest level.
Officials also underlined that Britain’s role has focused on bridging cooperation between European partners and transatlantic allies, particularly the United States, and that this work often takes place outside formal EU settings.
They pointed to recent UK-led initiatives on security guarantees and defence coordination as evidence of sustained leadership.
The government rejected suggestions that the absence reflected distancing from European partners, saying the United Kingdom remains a central actor in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and long-term security.
It added that future engagements with President Zelensky are already planned and that Britain will continue to work alongside European nations to advance a negotiated and lasting end to the conflict.
