King Charles helped push Trump to back Ukraine - Zelenskyy
US President Donald Trump with First Lady Melania Trump, British King Charles III and Queen Camilla (Photo: Getty Images)
British King Charles III played a key behind-the-scenes role in encouraging US President Donald Trump to more actively support Ukraine, following a tense meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office in February, The Guardian reports.
The meeting in question took place on February 28, 2025. At that time, the American leader publicly pressured Zelenskyy, criticizing Ukraine for insufficient gratitude for US aid and interrupting him during the conversation. The meeting ended with Trump dismissing Zelenskyy from the White House, a diplomatic embarrassment that sparked significant media attention.
Recalling the incident, Zelenskyy noted that in September, Trump visited the UK and held a private, one-on-one meeting with the king.
“I don’t know all the details but I understand His Majesty sent some important signals to President Trump,” Zelenskyy said.
According to him, Trump respects the king and considers him very important - which, Zelenskyy noted, is a real compliment coming from the US president, who doesn’t give it to very many people.
“His Majesty is very sensitive to our people. Maybe sensitive is not the right word. He’s very supportive,” the president added.
Trump’s visit to the UK
On September 17, US President Donald Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, arrived in the UK and met with King Charles III. During a joint dinner with the US leader, the king called for unity in support of Ukraine in a press statement.
“Today, as tyranny once again threatens Europe, we and our allies stand together in support of Ukraine, to deter aggression and secure peace,” King Charles III said at the time.
According to Zelenskyy, it was following this meeting that Trump noticeably shifted his rhetoric toward stronger support for Ukraine.
