Sir Keir Starmer has hailed a “very special moment” as Volodymyr Zelensky visited Downing Street for the first time under his premiership.

The Prime Minister greeted Mr Zelensky with a hug and a handshake outside No 10 on Friday, before sitting down with him for bilateral talks and hosting him at a historic Cabinet session.

The president of Ukraine became the first foreign leader to address the meeting of senior UK ministers since Bill Clinton, when he was US president in 1997.

In the bilateral meeting, Sir Keir said the UK was “united in our Parliament” in supporting Kyiv for as long as possible.

Sir Keir told Mr Zelensky Parliament was united over Ukraine Credit: Geoff Pugh for The Telegraph
Mr Zelensky urged the Cabinet to act quickly in support of Ukraine Credit: Andy Rain/Shutterstock

The Prime Minister also said the visit was “a very special moment” and showed “the esteem you’re held in... in this country and around the world”, as he promised Britain’s “unshakeable” support.

“It’s a very special moment for us to reiterate our support for you and the Ukrainian people in the fight against Russian aggression and to have this opportunity to confirm again our resolve to stand with you – so thank you so much for accepting the invitation,” Sir Keir said.

Mr Zelensky thanked the Prime Minister for his and the UK’s support and said it was felt by people across Ukraine.

“I hope we will now work even more actively,” he said. “The faster you act, the more you will achieve.”

It was Mr Zelensky's third UK trip since the 2022 invasion Credit: Geoff Pugh for The Telegraph
Aides to Mr Zelensky arriving at No 10 Downing Street on Friday Credit: Nigel Howard

Mr Zelensky was greeted with a standing ovation as he became the first foreign leader to address the UK Cabinet in person since 1997.

He urged the Prime Minister to show “leadership” and help with Ukraine’s “long-range capability”, arguing that “if the restriction on Western weapons is lifted” it would help Kyiv to strengthen its defence and secure its frontline positions.

Sir Keir said: “This is a very, very important meeting for us and you’re very welcome here. It is a real pleasure and a privilege to be able to welcome you to Downing Street this morning. This is a real piece of history.”

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