Zelensky issues warning over key issue necessary to stop wider war with Russia

Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed one key issue that's needed to prevent a wider-scale war with Russia - and offered a warning to his democratic allies.

The hero leader touched down at London's Stansted Airport this morning a day earlier than expected following a nightmare trip to the US, which saw him blasted by an irate Donald Trump and his vice president, JD Vance. On Sunday, he will attend a crucial summit of European leaders in London, including those from France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, along with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

In his statement, Mr Zelensky said: "Peace can only come when we know we have security guarantees, when our army is strong, and our partners are with us."

In the statement, released as touched down in London, Zelensky spoke of his gratitude to the US - a topic which proved a point of contention in the Oval Office yesterday, when Vice President JD Vance claimed he hadn't "thanked" Trump for military support provided to his country.

Speaking of his ambition to secure the US as a key ally in the war, Mr Zelensky continued: "We want peace. That's why I came to the United States, and visited President Trump. The deal on minerals is just a first step toward security guarantees and getting closer to peace. Our situation is tough, but we can't just stop fighting and not having guarantees that Putin will not return tomorrow."

World leaders have already voiced messages of support for Zelensky after yesterday's showdown in the White House. But as he landed in London today, Mr Zelensky released a statement on his relationship with the United States - and said Mr Trump's support was still "crucial" to Ukraine triumphing over Russia.

He went on: "It will be difficult without the US support. But we can't lose our will, our freedom, or our people. We've seen how Russians came to our homes and killed many people.

"Nobody wants another wave of occupation. If we cannot be accepted to Nato, we need some clear structure of security guarantees from our allies in the US. Europe is ready for contingencies and to help fund our large army. We also need the US role in defining security guarantees - what kind, what volume, and when."