Volodymyr Zelensky says Nigel Farage risks 'breaking big friendship' after Reform removes Ukraine flags

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the decision by some Reform UK councils to remove the Ukrainian flag is the kind of “small mistake that can break a big friendship".

During his visit to London, Mr Zelensky thanked Britons after the Tories and Labour handed over more than £20billion on military, humanitarian, and economic assistance following Russia’s invasion in 2022.

He said: “British people helped us from the very beginning of this war, it’s true. It’s because of security, not only values … But it’s about security in Europe. It’s in the interests of the UK.”

When asked about the removal of Ukrainian flags, Mr Zelensky added: “I don’t want to be involved in any political things, but you know, the world is so sensitive today.

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“Sometimes little, small mistakes can break big friendship or huge contacts.

“I think people have to not make mistakes, not to do anything which can break a friendship, and even if people do it [I would say:] ‘OK, so you did it, please let’s come back to the table, let’s speak, let’s understand each other.’”

The UK is facing intense pressure to increase its military spending, something Mr Zelensky highlighted as important.

He also revealed he would share Kyiv's own “priceless” technological knowledge with allies.

Mr Zelensky continued: “It’s very important to invest not only in military, to invest in Ukrainian military … because of this war, we have such experience.

“There is no price of this experience. It’s not about money, it’s about people’s lives. We will share this priceless information and experience with our allies.”

Ahead of a Nato summit next month in Turkey, the Ukrainian leader has reiterated that it would be in the interest of Western allies for them to be in attendance.

He told the Guardian: “We spoke a little bit about it with the E3 countries [France, Germany, and the UK].

“They understand that today to have Ukraine in Nato, it’s in the interests of Nato.

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“Of course, it’s in also the interests of us, to be a part of big alliance, and to be with our friends who helped us during the war, to strengthen Nato.”

He also suggested that the turning over of funds from former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich would help fund anti-ballistic missiles for Ukraine.

He continued: “The prime minister told me that he’s trying his best, and I know that our diplomatic teams speak about it, and of course, it’s difficult moment.

“We need more security, and we are trying, through the Purl programme, to buy antiballistic missiles from the United States.

“They are very expensive, and of course this money can help, and it’s fair between us. So Russia began this war. Why not use Russian money?”

A Reform spokesman told GB News: “It is an entirely reasonable position to support the people of Ukraine in their fight against Russia whilst also believing that only domestic flags should be flown from public buildings at home.

“Support for Ukraine is measured by actions, not by the number of foreign flags flying above our town halls.

“We will continue to proudly fly the Union flag.”

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