In one of his final acts as Prime Minister, Keir Starmer will meet with war-time leader Volodymyr Zelensky in the Ukrainian capital to discuss equipping Kyiv in its fight against Russia’s illegal invasion
Keir Starmer travels to Kyiv today to pledge Britain’s “cast-iron” support for Ukraine as his time in office comes to a close.
In one of his final acts as Prime Minister, Mr Starmer will meet with war-time leader Volodymyr Zelensky in the Ukrainian capital to discuss equipping Kyiv in its fight against Russia’s illegal invasion after more than four years of grinding conflict.
Mr Starmer will assure President Zelensky of the UK’s unwavering support against Vladimir Putin and say a path to a lasting peace has been laid. The PM has chosen to go to Ukraine for his final foreign trip before he hands over to Andy Burnham on Monday.
Ahead of the visit, he said: “Throughout this conflict, I have seen the incredible fortitude of the Ukrainian people and the iron will of a nation that refuses to be cowed. Their stand has not only defended its own freedom, it has preserved the security of Europe.”
The PM said the UK and its allies were united against Russian aggression, through the Coalition of the Willing and Nato. He added: “I am so proud of what Britain has contributed. That work will continue, and our cast-iron support for Ukraine will always endure.
“Not just for them and for European security, but for families in Britain who have felt the cost of this war through rising prices.”
At his final PMQs yesterday, he recalled how he invited Mr Zelensky to Downing Street after Donald Trump attacked him and turfed him out of the Oval Office in 2025.
The PM hugged Mr Zelensky in the street and urged him to listen to cheers and shouts from Brits gathered outside Downing Street in a show of solidarity.
Mr Starmer said: “I had a meeting with him to tell him that in this country we will stand with him and Ukraine, and I didn’t let him leave alone. I walked him out to his car because we don’t let people in Britain walk out of our Britain, walk out of our buildings – we escort them out.”
Earlier this week, Emmanuel Macron awarded Mr Starmer the Legion d’honneur – one of France’s highest honours – in recognition of his support for Ukraine. The French President said he had played a “historic role” in bringing together the coalition – set up to police any peace deal struck by Kyiv.
Last week, Mr Burnham, who is set to be announced as Labour’s next leader on Friday, also pledged Britain’s support for Ukraine will not waver. In a recent article, he added: “We know that British security and wider Euro-Atlantic security are inseparable from what happens in Ukraine.”
He also praised Mr Starmer’s leadership on the issue since winning power, saying: “This Labour government has proved once again that UK leadership can be a force for good in the world, creating and co-chairing the Coalition of the Willing to support the brave Ukrainian people and push back against President Putin.”
It comes as Russia continues to bombard Ukraine, with eight people killed in attacks on the Black Sea port city of Odesa, and Sumy in the north east. Moscow has targeted Ukraine’s ports around the Black Sea which handle exports of grain and other cargo.