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'Tyranny threatens Europe' — King Charles voices support for Ukraine during state dinner with Trump

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'Tyranny threatens Europe' — King Charles voices support for Ukraine during state dinner with Trump
King Charles III stands to deliver a speech at a State Banquet at Windsor Castle, in Windsor, during the second state visit of U.S. President Donald Trump on Sept. 17, 2025. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

King Charles III voiced support for Ukraine during a state dinner with U.S. President Donald Trump in Windsor on Sept. 17.

"Today, as tyranny once again threatens Europe, we and our allies stand together in support of Ukraine, to deter aggression and secure peace," the king said.

Trump was seen nodding during King Charles's speech, without commenting on it afterward.

The king's remarks come amid Trump's efforts to bring an end to Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, even as Moscow continues to reject a ceasefire, regularly launches attacks on Ukraine, and recently said talks with Kyiv are on "pause."

Despite this, Trump has not imposed additional sanctions on Russia. Before his second state visit to the U.K., the U.S. president reiterated that President Volodymyr Zelensky "is going to have to make a deal" with Russia.

After his meeting with the royal family, Trump is scheduled to meet with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is also involved in peace efforts.

Members of the royal family have consistently expressed their support for Ukraine throughout the Russian war, a stance some experts view as a form of soft power.

Zelensky met with King Charles several times, including following a White House clash with Trump earlier this year.

Ukraine war latest: Ukraine ratifies historic 100-year partnership with UK
Key developments on Sept. 17: * Ukraine ratifies historic 100-year partnership with UK * IAEA reports shelling, black smoke near Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant * Pro-Ukraine partisans sabotage railway, disrupt Russian logistics 1,600 km from border, group claims * Ukraine captures Kenyan serving in Russian army, who claims he was tricked into joining * Russia preparing 2 more ‘heavy offensive campaigns,’ Zelensky says The Ukrainian parliament on Sept. 17 ratified a 100-year p
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Kateryna Denisova

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Kateryna Denisova is a reporter at the Kyiv Independent, covering Ukrainian domestic politics and social issues. She joined the newsroom in 2024 as a news editor following four years at the NV media outlet. Kateryna holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. She was also a fellow at journalism schools in the Czech Republic and Germany.

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