King Charles III will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Sandringham on Sunday. This follows Zelensky’s heated clash with U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday.
The UK Government is tapping the Royal Family’s soft diplomacy amid political turmoil.
Zelensky arrived in the UK on Saturday. Hours earlier, Trump had accused him of “gambling with World War Three” at the White House. The Ukrainian leader’s visit includes a European summit in London on Sunday to discuss the war.
The King’s meeting with Zelensky comes three days after he invited Trump for a rare second state visit. Starmer delivered the invite in person. Trump accepted, praising Charles as “a beautiful man.”
Charles and Zelensky last met at Blenheim Palace in summer 2024. Their first meeting was in February 2023 at Buckingham Palace. Sunday’s 20-minute audience will be private, with no record kept. A photo is expected afterward.
Trump’s spat with Zelensky has strained U.S.-Ukraine ties. He warned of global risks over Ukraine’s stance on Russia. European leaders, including Starmer, are backing Zelensky. The PM pledged “unwavering support” for Ukraine.
Britain is balancing diplomacy with both leaders. The King’s Trump invite shows goodwill across the Atlantic. His Zelensky meeting reinforces UK solidarity with Ukraine. It’s a delicate dance for Starmer’s government.
The monarchy’s role is growing. Charles called Russia’s war “indescribable” in 2023. His past praise for Ukraine shapes this meeting.
