Keir Starmer is set to visit Kyiv today to reaffirm Britain’s strong support for Ukraine as his tenure as Prime Minister nears its end.
In one of his final official duties, Mr. Starmer will hold discussions with Ukraine’s wartime leader, Volodymyr Zelensky, in Kyiv to address the support needed by Kyiv in its ongoing struggle against Russia’s unlawful invasion after years of conflict.
During the meeting, Mr. Starmer will reassure President Zelensky of the UK’s steadfast backing against Vladimir Putin and highlight the progress made towards achieving lasting peace. The decision to visit Ukraine for his last foreign trip before handing over leadership to Andy Burnham emphasizes the UK’s commitment to the region.
Ahead of the trip, Mr. Starmer praised the resilience of the Ukrainian people and their determination in the face of adversity, emphasizing their significant role in defending not only their own freedom but also the security of Europe.
Mr. Starmer underscored the unified stance of the UK and its allies against Russian aggression through the Coalition of the Willing and NATO, expressing pride in Britain’s contributions. He reiterated the unwavering support for Ukraine, emphasizing its importance for European security and the impact on families in the UK.
Reflecting on past events, Mr. Starmer recalled inviting President Zelensky to Downing Street after an incident involving Donald Trump in 2025, highlighting the solidarity shown by the British public towards Ukraine.
Earlier this week, Emmanuel Macron honored Mr. Starmer with the Legion d’honneur for his contributions to supporting Ukraine and facilitating international cooperation. The French President acknowledged Mr. Starmer’s pivotal role in uniting the coalition to oversee potential peace agreements in Kyiv.
In a separate development, Andy Burnham, expected to be appointed as the next leader of the Labour Party, reiterated the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine. He emphasized the interconnectedness of British and Euro-Atlantic security with the situation in Ukraine, applauding Mr. Starmer’s leadership in addressing the crisis.
Meanwhile, as Russia continues its attacks on Ukraine, recent incidents in Odesa and Sumy have resulted in casualties, with ongoing assaults on Ukrainian ports along the Black Sea, impacting crucial trade routes for the country.