Starmer says UK’s ‘cast-iron’ support for Ukraine will ‘always endure’
Sir Keir Starmer confirmed during his last visit to the country as Prime Minister that Britain’s “cast iron” support for Ukraine “will always continue”.
The outgoing Labor Party leader will hold a high-security meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev on Thursday before leaving office.
He is expected to reassure Mr Zelensky that Britain will remain committed to supporting Ukraine after he is replaced by Andy Burnham.
Mr Burnham will become Labor leader on Friday, then Prime Minister on Monday. He will become the fifth prime minister since Russia’s invasion in 2022.
Sir Keir said: “Throughout this conflict, I have seen the incredible fortitude of the Ukrainian people and the firm will of a nation that refuses to be intimidated.
“Their attitude not only defended their own freedom but also safeguarded the security of Europe.
“When I became Prime Minister, I knew that the UK must not only stand by Ukraine now, but also help lay the foundations for its long-term security and success.
“That’s why we’re putting the UK at the heart of a stronger Europe – putting more money into defence, pioneering the war technologies of the future and doing everything we can to put Ukraine in the strongest position possible.
“And we have brought others with us on this journey. As we have shown at the G7 and NATO summits in recent weeks, the UK and its allies remain absolutely united against Russian aggression.
“I am very proud of the UK’s contribution. This work will continue and our iron support for Ukraine will always remain.”
“Not just for them and the security of Europe, but also for families in Britain who are feeling the cost of this war through rising prices.”
Sir Keir will also hear how allies can better meet Ukraine’s needs.
The first of 150 British-made artillery barrels is being supplied to Ukraine to strengthen its defenses under a £61 million contract with BAE Systems.
The 105 mm and 155 mm gun barrels are manufactured at Sheffield Forgemasters; forged artillery barrels are being produced in the UK for the first time in almost two decades.
The Prime Minister’s visit came just days after Ukraine’s air defenses intercepted five ballistic missiles launched by Russia in a series of night attacks, but the country’s air force said other missiles and drones had passed and hit Kiev.
The mayor of the city, Vitali Klitschko, said that the attack caused fires in two warehouses in the capital and a school was also damaged.
The Russian Ministry of Defense said in a statement that the attack targeted military production facilities producing long-range missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles in the Ukrainian capital.
The Ukrainian air force said that a ballistic missile and 25 unmanned aerial vehicles hit 17 points, and debris fell at 10 points.
The prime minister is spending his final days in office highlighting what he sees as his legacy, including support for Ukraine.
He started the week in Paris by attending a meeting of the “coalition of volunteers” group.
On Tuesday morning, he was with Emmanuel Macron and other leaders at Bastille Day celebrations in the French capital; it was a sign of the closer relationship it is trying to forge with its European neighbors as part of a post-Brexit reset.
Mr Macron awarded Sir Keir the Legion d’honneur for his support of Ukrainian and European relations.
Sir Keir’s time as Prime Minister saw the signing of a 100-year partnership between the UK and Ukraine, aimed at developing closer defense and trade ties, among other things.
After a stormy meeting with Donald Trump at the White House last year, Mr Zelensky was invited to London for a summit at Lancaster House.
At a meeting of mostly European leaders, Sir Keir led efforts to set up a peacekeeping force aimed at deterring Russia if the war ends.
It was also announced earlier this week that the UK would join the EU’s 90 billion euro (£78 billion) loan to Ukraine.
The Prime Minister said British companies could bid for contracts financed by the EU’s Ukraine support loan.
The loan is intended to help meet Kiev’s most urgent defense and budget needs in 2026 and 2027, with two-thirds of the total amount allocated to military spending.
