President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Reform UK-led local councils to restore Ukrainian flags removed from civic buildings, saying that even “small mistakes” could damage a vital wartime partnership between Kyiv and London.
Speaking in an interview with The Guardian, Zelensky said he hoped the councils would reverse the decision, while emphasizing that he did not want to interfere in British domestic politics.
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“I hope they will put it back,” Zelensky said, referring to the Ukrainian flags.
The remarks came after some Reform UK-led councils removed Ukrainian flags from public buildings, arguing that only British or local flags should be displayed. The move sparked criticism from Ukraine’s supporters, who view the flag as a symbol of solidarity with a country fighting Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Zelensky framed the issue as more than symbolism, saying the relationship between Ukraine and the UK is central to European security.
“Ukraine and the UK need each other,” he said, stressing that Britain has been one of Kyiv’s most important partners since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.
Abramovich funds
President Zelensky also renewed his call for the UK to release the £2.4 billion ($3.2 billion) in proceeds from the forced sale of Chelsea Football Club by sanctioned Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.
The money has remained frozen for years amid legal and political disputes over how it should be used. Zelensky said the funds should go directly to Ukraine, including for urgent defense needs.
Fresh Impetus for EU Enlargement?
Kyiv has repeatedly argued that frozen Russian-linked assets should be used to help Ukraine defend itself and recover from the destruction caused by Moscow’s war.
The Ukrainian leader suggested the Abramovich-linked funds could help finance air defense and anti-ballistic missile systems, as Russia continues to intensify missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Air defenses top London agenda
Zelensky’s comments came as he met in London with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to coordinate support ahead of upcoming G7 and NATO summit discussions.
The leaders said there was an “urgent need” to expand Ukraine’s air defenses, increase interceptor production and develop joint anti-ballistic missile and long-range strike capabilities.
The talks followed a renewed wave of Russian aerial attacks, including missile and drone strikes against Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure.
For Kyiv, the London meeting was part of a broader diplomatic push to keep Ukraine at the center of the Western agenda and ensure that Europe will play a larger role in Ukraine’s defense.
Zelensky also reiterated that Ukraine’s NATO ambitions must remain on the table, arguing that Ukraine’s battle-tested military would strengthen the alliance rather than weaken it.
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