Starmer visits Ukraine on final trip as PM to show UK’s ‘cast-iron’ support

Sir Keir Starmer, while making his last visit to the country as prime minister, said Britain would continue its “cast iron” support to Ukraine.

Andy Burnham is due to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the capital Kiev later on Thursday ahead of his inauguration as Labor Party leader and Prime Minister.

In remarks ahead of his trip, Sir Keir said the “courage” of the Ukrainian people since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 had “protected the security of Europe”.

In his statement, Sir Keir highlighted the UK’s contribution to Ukraine’s war effort during his two years in Downing Street.

It saw the signing of a 100-year partnership aimed at developing closer defense and trade ties between the two countries, with the Prime Minister spearheading efforts to establish a future peacekeeping force.

“When I became Prime Minister, I knew that the UK must not only stand with Ukraine now, but also help lay the foundations for its long-term security and success,” Sir Keir said.

He said Britain was investing more in defense and “pioneering the warfighting technologies of the future”.

Sir Keir added: “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.”