Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Reform UK to reconsider its decision to remove Ukrainian flags from council buildings, warning that seemingly minor political gestures can have significant diplomatic consequences.

Speaking in an interview with The Guardian, conducted in London following meetings with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and European leaders Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz, Zelensky expressed hope that the party would reverse its decision.

“I hope they will put it back,” Zelensky said, referring to the Ukrainian flags previously displayed outside town halls controlled by Reform UK. The party had replaced the blue and yellow flags with a red and white banner featuring Warwickshire’s bear and ragged staff, under a broader policy prioritising English national symbols on official buildings.

Zelensky cautioned against actions that could be interpreted as political distancing from Ukraine at a time when Western unity remains crucial amid the ongoing war with Russia.

“I don’t want to be involved in any political things, but you know, the world is so sensitive today,” he said. “Sometimes little, small mistakes can break big friendship or huge contacts.”

He added that public representatives should be willing to reconsider such decisions. “People have to not make mistakes… OK, so you did it, please let’s come back to the table, let’s speak, let’s understand each other.”

The removal of the Ukrainian flag followed internal disputes within Reform UK and local councils over the display of various flags, including the Progress Pride flag, which the party also sought to remove. Critics have described the policy as part of a wider debate over national identity and symbolism in local government spaces.

In the same interview, Zelensky emphasized the strategic importance of the UK-Ukraine relationship, particularly in the context of European security and resistance to Russian aggression.

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

Zelensky also revealed plans to invite King Charles III for a state visit to Ukraine later this year, highlighting the continued strengthening of ties between Kyiv and London. The invitation follows what he described as strong royal support for Ukraine amid previous tensions involving former U.S. President Donald Trump and Western leaders.

The remarks come as Ukraine continues to seek sustained international backing, while debates within European domestic politics increasingly reflect divisions over symbols of solidarity and foreign policy commitments. (ILKHA)