Sir Keir Starmer arrived in Kyiv on Thursday for his final official visit to Ukraine as the British Prime Minister. During the trip, he is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, marking a concluding chapter in his tenure at Downing Street before Andy Burnham is installed as the new Labour leader and Prime Minister on Monday.
Reflecting on the ongoing conflict, Sir Keir emphasized that the fortitude displayed by the Ukrainian people since the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022 has been instrumental in preserving European security. The Prime Minister stated that his goal upon taking office was to ensure the UK did not merely support Ukraine in the immediate term, but helped establish the foundations for long-term security and success.
Highlighting Britain's contributions over the past two years, Sir Keir pointed to the signing of a 100-year partnership agreement between the two nations, which is designed to foster closer trade and defense ties. He also noted the UK's leadership in developing future war-fighting technologies and the pursuit of a future peacekeeping force. Addressing the international response, the Prime Minister asserted that the UK and its allies remain united against Russian aggression, a sentiment echoed during recent G7 and Nato summits.
The visit occurs against a backdrop of continued hostility, as Russia maintains its targeting of the port of Odesa. The Kremlin recently claimed to have struck infrastructure in the city used for unloading petroleum, oil, and lubricants, while reports indicate that eight people were killed in Russian attacks on Black Sea oil tankers.
In the broader diplomatic arena, President Zelensky has been pressing Nato allies to prioritize air defense systems to counter intense Russian strikes. Notably, the Ukrainian leader recently secured permission from US President Donald Trump to produce Patriot missiles, a development expected to bolster Kyiv's defense against ballistic missile attacks. Additionally, the UK is currently supplying the first of 150 British-made artillery barrels under a £61m contract with BAE Systems.
During his final Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Sir Keir received praise from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for his commitment to Ukraine and his bond with President Zelensky. Recalling his interactions with the Ukrainian leader, Sir Keir described an emotional meeting at Downing Street following Zelensky's February 2025 encounter with President Trump, where he reassured the President that the UK would stand firmly with Ukraine. Sir Keir concluded by reiterating his pride in Britain's contributions, promising that the nation's cast-iron support for Ukraine will continue to endure.
