Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London on March 17, 2026, to discuss ongoing support for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also attended the talks at 10 Downing Street.
Starmer warned that the Iran war risks benefiting Russia by boosting oil revenues and diverting Western air defence systems away from Ukraine. “We can’t lose focus on what’s going on in Ukraine and the need for our support,” he said. “Putin can’t be the one who benefits from the conflict in Iran, whether that’s oil prices or the dropping of sanctions. It is really important we keep our resolve in supporting Ukraine.”
Zelenskyy highlighted that discussions also covered energy security after Russia’s winter attacks on Ukraine’s power grid and the ongoing battlefield situation. He criticized the US decision to temporarily ease some sanctions on Russian oil, warning it could provide Moscow with a financial windfall to continue its aggression.
European leaders echoed these concerns. EU Foreign Chief Kaja Kallas said, “Ukraine remains Europe’s top security priority and attention for Ukraine will not be allowed to fizzle out.” Finnish President Alexander Stubb noted the Iran war is worsening Ukraine’s position by boosting Russian revenue.
Analysts, including Ed Arnold of the Royal United Services Institute, warned that the conflict is draining crucial US missile stockpiles needed for Ukrainian defence and diverting attention from peace negotiations.
In response, Ukraine has offered its drone-interception expertise to Gulf countries, while the UK is collaborating with Kyiv to manufacture drones and innovative defence capabilities. A joint “AI Center of Excellence” between the UK and Ukrainian Ministry of Defence will also be established.
