UK planning state visit by Ukraine's Zelensky in 2027

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 7 Nov, 09:54 · Archive

Britain is preparing to host President Volodymyr Zelensky for a state visit in 2027 to project solidarity with Ukraine.

Britain is preparing to host Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky for a state visit in 2027 to project solidarity with Ukraine during its war against Russia. The event would take place in the fifth year of the conflict. According to the Financial Times, which first reported the plans, the timing has not yet been decided. Government officials said the visit was not yet finalised but is expected to take place. The state visit is unlikely to coincide with the G20 summit in Manchester next November, which Zelensky is also invited to attend.

The move could risk tensions with US President Donald Trump, who has been critical of Zelensky in recent weeks and appears to have grown closer to Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, who started the war. A state visit is usually a grand affair involving a lavish banquet, but is likely to be recast as more appropriate for a wartime leader.

Zelensky has visited the UK some 13 times since the start of the war. His most recent visit was to meet Andy Burnham in Downing Street, where he received a guard of honour. He has previously met the King, who would be the host of a state visit, and addressed MPs and peers in Parliament in 2023.

How it is being reported

• King Charles to invite Zelensky on state visit to Britain next year to show support for Ukraine five years after Russia's invasionKing Charles is expected to extend an invitation to the Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky paving the way for the honour of such a visit in 2027.Daily Mail · 7 Nov, 12:40
• UK to host Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky for state visit in 2027The visit would aim to project solidarity with Ukraine in what will be the fifth year of its war against RussiaThe Independent · 7 Nov, 09:28
• UK preparing to host Volodymyr Zelensky for state visit in 2027The visit would aim to project solidarity with Ukraine as it faces continued Russian attacks.Evening Standard · 7 Nov, 08:19

In this story: Volodymyr Zelensky · Ukraine · Russia · Vladimir Putin · Donald Trump · United Kingdom · Andy Burnham

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log