Sir Keir Starmer has landed in Kyiv to sign a “landmark 100-year partnership” with Ukraine, according to Downing Street.
The agreement is set to formalise the economic and military assistance already committed to Ukraine and promises additional support.
This marks the Prime Minister’s first visit to Ukraine since taking office last summer, arriving just days before Donald Trump’s anticipated return to the White House. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is eager to secure robust security guarantees from key international allies, such as the UK, amid concerns that a new US administration may pressure Ukraine into negotiating peace with Russia.
While other leaders have made swift visits to Kyiv, Sir Keir has taken a more measured approach. However, after six months in office, he now travels to Ukraine to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to long-term support against Russia’s “illegal and barbaric invasion.”
Upon arrival, Sir Keir was welcomed at Kyiv’s railway station by the UK’s Ambassador to Ukraine, Martin Harris, and the Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK, Valerii Zaluzhnyi. Speaking en route, he emphasised that this partnership is not only about the immediate situation but also a long-term investment in both nations for the next century.
Sir Keir also criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin’s failed attempt to sever Ukraine’s ties with its closest allies, asserting that the UK and Ukraine’s relationship is stronger than ever, with the partnership poised to deepen further.
Meanwhile, Marco Rubio, nominated by Trump for Secretary of State, suggested earlier this week that both Ukraine and Russia would need to make compromises to bring an end to the conflict.
The announcement on Thursday revealed additional military and economic aid, including enhanced collaboration on maritime security, drone technology, and healthcare. Zelensky has expressed his expectation that the UK will assist in securing deterrence guarantees to prevent future attacks, with NATO membership high on Ukraine’s agenda. Moreover, Ukraine seeks the deployment of peacekeepers if hostilities cease, with a potential peace agreement establishing a buffer zone at the current frontline.
The partnership builds on the UK’s previous £12.8bn of support for Ukraine and a commitment to provide £3bn in military aid annually for as long as needed. Ukrainian forces are already using British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles to target Russian military installations far from the border, a development that has been welcomed in Kyiv and condemned by Moscow.
The treaty and political declaration will be presented to Parliament in the coming weeks, a plan initiated under the previous Conservative government.
Sir Keir had previously visited Ukraine in 2023 as Leader of the Opposition and has since hosted President Zelensky twice at Downing Street since assuming the role of Prime Minister.
Sir Keir Starmer to Sign Milestone 100-Year Partnership with Ukraine During Kyiv Visit
Excerpt: Keir Starmer is set to sign a historic 100-year partnership with Ukraine, pledging long-term military and economic support against Russia.
Sir Keir Starmer has landed in Kyiv to sign a “landmark 100-year partnership” with Ukraine, according to Downing Street. The agreement is set to formalise the economic and military assistance already committed to Ukraine and promises additional support.
This marks the Prime Minister’s first visit to Ukraine since taking office last summer, arriving just days before Donald Trump’s anticipated return to the White House. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is eager to secure robust security guarantees from key international allies, such as the UK, amid concerns that a new US administration may pressure Ukraine into negotiating peace with Russia.
While other leaders have made swift visits to Kyiv, Sir Keir has taken a more measured approach. However, after six months in office, he now travels to Ukraine to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to long-term support against Russia’s “illegal and barbaric invasion.”
Upon arrival, Sir Keir was welcomed at Kyiv’s railway station by the UK’s Ambassador to Ukraine, Martin Harris, and the Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK, Valerii Zaluzhnyi. Speaking en route, he emphasised that this partnership is not only about the immediate situation but also a long-term investment in both nations for the next century.
Sir Keir also criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin’s failed attempt to sever Ukraine’s ties with its closest allies, asserting that the UK and Ukraine’s relationship is stronger than ever, with the partnership poised to deepen further.
Meanwhile, Marco Rubio, nominated by Trump for Secretary of State, suggested earlier this week that both Ukraine and Russia would need to make compromises to bring an end to the conflict.
The announcement on Thursday revealed additional military and economic aid, including enhanced collaboration on maritime security, drone technology, and healthcare. Zelensky has expressed his expectation that the UK will assist in securing deterrence guarantees to prevent future attacks, with NATO membership high on Ukraine’s agenda. Moreover, Ukraine seeks the deployment of peacekeepers if hostilities cease, with a potential peace agreement establishing a buffer zone at the current frontline.
The partnership builds on the UK’s previous £12.8bn of support for Ukraine and a commitment to provide £3bn in military aid annually for as long as needed. Ukrainian forces are already using British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles to target Russian military installations far from the border, a development that has been welcomed in Kyiv and condemned by Moscow.
The treaty and political declaration will be presented to Parliament in the coming weeks, a plan initiated under the previous Conservative government.
Sir Keir had previously visited Ukraine in 2023 as Leader of the Opposition and has since hosted President Zelensky twice at Downing Street since assuming the role of Prime Minister.
