The United Kingdom is expected to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a state visit in 2027, in a move aimed at demonstrating solidarity with Kyiv as the war with Russia enters its fifth year. The Financial Times first reported the government’s consideration of the visit, which officials said is not yet finalised but is expected to go ahead.
Mr Zelensky has also been invited to the G20 summit in Manchester next November, though the state visit would likely not coincide with it. The president has visited the UK some 13 times since the start of the war, most recently meeting Andy Burnham in Downing Street, who told him Britain is “behind you and that will not change”.
US President Donald Trump has been critical of Mr Zelensky in recent weeks and appears to have grown closer to the Russian leader, Vladimir Putin. The move could risk a rise in tensions with Mr Trump.
A state visit usually involves a grand banquet, but the format is likely to be recast to be more appropriate for Mr Zelensky’s status as a wartime leader. In 2023, he addressed hundreds of MPs, peers and officials in Parliament, and would likely make a similar address in the event of a state visit, the Financial Times reported. Mr Zelensky previously met Sir Keir Starmer, when he was premier, and the King, who would host the visit.
A Downing Street spokesperson said in a readout of Mr Zelensky’s most recent meeting with Mr Burnham: “The leaders began by reflecting on their call on Saturday, and Russia’s blatant indiscriminate attacks on civilians and energy infrastructure since President Trump called for an energy ceasefire. It was clear that Russia had no interest in peace, the leaders underlined.”
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The planned state visit underscores the UK’s intent to maintain a leading role in Western support for Ukraine, even as US policy under the Trump administration shifts.
- It sets the stage for high-stakes diplomacy in 2027, with the G20 summit already on the calendar, creating a potential focal point for Ukraine’s allies.
- The adaptation of the traditional state banquet format reflects how the war continues to reshape diplomatic protocol for a prolonged conflict.
Background
Ukraine has been defending itself against Russia’s full-scale invasion, which will enter its fifth year by 2027. The UK has been a prominent military and diplomatic backer of Kyiv throughout the conflict. President Zelensky has visited the UK over a dozen times since the war began, frequently addressing Parliament and meeting with British leaders.
Key Perspectives
UK Government: The visit is expected to proceed as a major gesture of solidarity, though it is not yet finalised. Downing Street has characterised Russia as unwilling to pursue peace, citing attacks on civilians and energy infrastructure.
US President Donald Trump: Has been critical of President Zelensky in recent weeks, and is reported to have grown closer to Vladimir Putin’s position.
What to Watch
- The formal announcement of the state visit and whether it is tied to the G20 summit in Manchester later in the year.
- Any public response from the Trump administration as the visit is formally proposed.
- The specific form the visit takes, as the UK government has signalled it will break with traditional ceremony to suit a wartime leader.
Checked
12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 12 supported.
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- SupportedThe UK is expected to host Zelensky for a state visit in 2027.The Independent UK: “The UK is expected to host Ukraine 's President Volodymyr Zelensky for a state visit in 2027, it is understood.”
- SupportedThe visit would aim to project solidarity with Ukraine.The Independent UK: “The event would aim to project solidarity with Ukraine in what will be the fifth year of its war against Russia .”
- SupportedThe timing of the state visit has not been decided.The Independent UK: “The Financial Times first reported that the government is considering the visit, and that the timing has yet to be decided.”
- SupportedThe Financial Times first reported that the government was considering the visit.The Independent UK: “The Financial Times first reported that the government is considering the visit”
- SupportedGovernment officials said the visit was not finalised but was expected to take place.The Independent UK: “Government officials later said the visit was not yet finalised, but is expected to take place.”
- SupportedThe war with Russia will be in its fifth year.The Independent UK: “The event would aim to project solidarity with Ukraine in what will be the fifth year of its war against Russia .”
- SupportedZelensky has been invited to the G20 summit in Manchester next November.The Independent UK: “Mr Zelensky is also invited to the G20 summit in Manchester next November”
- SupportedTrump has been critical of Zelensky in recent weeks.The Independent UK: “US President Donald Trump has been critical of Mr Zelensky in recent weeks”
- SupportedTrump appears to have become closer to Putin.The Independent UK: “who appears to have become closer to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin”
- SupportedThe move could risk a rise in tensions with Trump.The Independent UK: “The move could risk a rise in tensions with US President Donald Trump”
- SupportedBurnham told Zelensky, “behind you and that will not change”.The Independent UK: “On the day, he was told by Mr Burnham that Britain is “behind you and that will not change”.”
- SupportedA Downing Street spokesperson said the leaders reflected on their Saturday call and Russia’s attacks, and that Russia had no interest in peace.The Independent UK: “The leaders began by reflecting on their call on Saturday, and Russia’s blatant indiscriminate attacks on civilians and energy infrastructure since President Trump called for an energy ceasefire. “It was clear that Russia had no interest in peace, the leaders underlined.””