Published · Updated

Britain to host Zelenskyy on state visit in 2027, King Charles III to be formal host

Britain is preparing to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on a state visit in 2027, with King Charles III serving as the formal host. The visit is expected to underscore sustained British political support for Ukraine and may include another address by Zelenskyy to the British parliament.

Key points

  • Britain will host Zelenskyy on a state visit in 2027.
  • King Charles III will serve as the formal host.
  • A special programme is under consideration, including a possible second address by Zelenskyy to the British parliament.
  • The visit will likely take place separately from the G20 summit in Manchester in November 2027.
  • Zelenskyy visited Britain last month and met Prime Minister Andy Burnham at Downing Street.
  • Andy Burnham said Vladimir Putin will not attend the G20 leaders' summit hosted by Britain in 2027.
  • The US has formally invited Vladimir Putin to a separate G20 leaders' meeting in Miami next month.

Why it matters

The planned state visit and the involvement of King Charles III signal its high diplomatic level. Zelenskyy's possible second address to the British parliament would give him a prominent platform to present Ukraine's priorities, while the visit itself is intended to demonstrate sustained, long-term British political support for Ukraine.

What happened

Britain is preparing to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on a state visit in 2027, with King Charles III as the formal host. A special programme of events is being considered, including a possible repeat address by Zelenskyy to the British parliament. The visit will probably not coincide with the G20 summit scheduled for Manchester in November 2027. Zelenskyy visited Britain last month and met Prime Minister Andy Burnham at Downing Street.

How Ukrainian sources describe it

Ukrainian reports emphasize the visit's high diplomatic status, King Charles III's role as host, and its purpose of showcasing long-term and unwavering British political support for Ukraine. They also highlight the possibility of another speech by Zelenskyy before the British parliament.

How international sources describe it

International coverage also centres on the 2027 state visit and King Charles III as formal host, while noting that the trip is likely to be separate from the G20 summit in Manchester.

Background

Zelenskyy visited Britain the previous month and met Prime Minister Andy Burnham at Downing Street. Britain is due to host the 2027 G20 leaders' summit, while the United States has invited Vladimir Putin to a separate G20 leaders' meeting in Miami next month. Burnham has said Putin will not take part in the summit hosted by Britain in 2027.