UK to host Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky for state visit in 2027

The UK is expected to host Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky for a state visit in 2027, it is understood.

The event would aim to project solidarity with Ukraine in what will be the fifth year of its war against Russia.

The Financial Times first reported that the government is considering the visit, and that the timing has yet to be decided.

Government officials later said the visit was not yet finalised, but is expected to take place.

Mr Zelensky is also invited to the G20 summit in Manchester next November, but the state visit would likely not coincide with it.

The move could risk a rise in tensions with US President Donald Trump, who has been critical of Mr Zelensky in recent weeks, and who appears to have become closer to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, who started the war.

The state visit, usually a grand affair involving a lavish banquet, is likely to be recast so it is more appropriate for Mr Zelensky’s status as a wartime leader.

Mr Zelensky has visited the UK some 13 times since the start of the war, most recently to meet Andy Burnham in Downing Street, when he received an unprecedented guard of honour made up of troops from the Irish Guards. On the day, he was told by Mr Burnham that Britain is “behind you and that will not change”.

In a readout of the meeting, a Downing Street spokesperson said: “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.”

Mr Zelensky previously met Sir Keir Starmer when he was premier, and the King, who would be the host of a state visit.

In 2023, the president addressed hundreds of MPs, peers and officials in Parliament, and would likely make a similar address in the event of a state visit, the FT reported.