The United Kingdom has committed to providing Ukraine with a £2.26 billion ($2.84 billion) loan to support its defence industry. The loan, announced on Saturday, will be repaid using profits from frozen Russian sovereign assets. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the decision "true justice," stating, "The one who started the war must be the one to pay."

The agreement was officially signed during a virtual ceremony between UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Ukraine's Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Zelenskyy in London, reaffirming Britain’s ongoing support for Ukraine’s war effort.

A large share of the loan will boost weapons production within Ukraine, aligning with Kyiv’s efforts to strengthen its domestic arms industry. This move aims to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers while sustaining military resistance against Russian forces.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey emphasised the significance of this funding, stating it was essential to help Ukraine "continue its frontline fight against Russian aggression." During their meeting at Downing Street, Starmer reaffirmed Britain’s steadfast commitment to Ukraine, declaring, "We stand with you and Ukraine for as long as it may take."

Zelenskyy, greeted by cheers from supporters outside Number 10, expressed his appreciation, "We are very happy in Ukraine that we have such friends. I thank the people of the United Kingdom for such big support from the very beginning of this war."

The agreement comes amid rising diplomatic tensions between Ukraine and the United States. Recently, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy had a tense exchange with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, where Trump reportedly urged Ukraine to reconcile peace with Russia. The meeting ended negatively, with Trump withholding a minerals trade deal to strengthen economic and defence ties between the two nations.

In response to the dispute, European leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, voiced their support for Ukraine. They emphasised the importance of Europe taking greater responsibility for its own security policies instead of relying on the shifting foreign policy of the U.S.

The loan agreement was declared just before an emergency summit in London, where European and Canadian leaders will discuss long-term plans to support Ukraine and strengthen European security. With uncertainty surrounding U.S. support, European countries are considering independent defence initiatives to ensure continued assistance to Kyiv.

Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet King Charles at the Sandringham estate, highlighting the UK’s strong support for Ukraine. The King has previously commended the "determination and strength" of the Ukrainian people in their fight against Russia’s invasion. "I'm very happy that His Majesty the King accepted my meeting tomorrow," Zelenskyy told Starmer at the beginning of their discussions.

His visit to London was greeted with enthusiasm. As he arrived at 10 Downing Street, crowds cheered in solidarity. "I hope you heard some of that cheering in the street. That is the people of the United Kingdom coming out to demonstrate how much they support you and our absolute determination to stand with you," Starmer told him.

Zelenskyy expressed heartfelt gratitude for Britain’s support. "We are very happy in Ukraine that we have such friends. I thank the people of the United Kingdom for such big support from the very beginning of this war."

As Ukraine battles on both military and diplomatic fronts, Britain's financial and political backing reinforces its stance. In the future, Europe's ability to stay united will be tested amid changing US priorities.