King welcomes Zelensky with audience at Buckingham Palace

The King during an audience with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky at Buckingham Palace (Aaron Chown/PA)PA WireLaura Elston4 minutes agoThe King has held an audience with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Buckingham Palace.

The pair, who enjoy a warm rapport, met at the famous royal residence in central London on Wednesday afternoon.

Mr Zelensky has travelled to the UK for talks with Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who is set to welcome him to Downing Street in a show of support after US President Donald Trump’s diesel deal with Russia.

The King shakes hands with President Zelensky at Buckingham Palace (Aaron Chown/PA)PA WireThe Prime Minister is expected to use the visit to announce an acceleration of military support for Ukraine, and to pledge further rounds of sanctions aimed at Moscow.

Charles and Mr Zelensky were pictured shaking hands and deep in conversation.

Mr Zelensky wrote on social media earlier in the day that he was preparing to meet the King and then the Prime Minister.

The monarch and Volodymyr Zelensky during the audience (Aaron Chown/PA)PA WireHe said: “There will also be an important meeting with Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

“We will discuss a wide range of security issues. We are preparing decisions that will strengthen us.

“I thank the King, the Prime Minister, and all of Britain for their support!”