Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declared that Ukraine can win its war against Russia, asserting that the tide is turning in Kyiv's favour. In what was his final foreign trip before stepping down, Starmer travelled to war-torn Ukraine to reaffirm Britain's unwavering support for President Volodymyr Zelensky as Vladimir Putin's illegal invasion grinds into its fifth year.
In his last newspaper interview as PM, Starmer told The Mirror that Ukraine is the 'defining cause of our time' and vowed that the UK would remain a steadfast ally under his successor, Andy Burnham. The direct message to Zelensky aimed to ease any concerns in Kyiv over the change in British leadership, given the UK's role as one of Ukraine's staunchest allies.
Starmer: Ukraine Fight Is Our Fight
'Ukraine in many senses is the defining cause of our time because this is a fight about the values of democracy and freedom that are hugely important to the United Kingdom,' Starmer said. 'They're part of who we are, and therefore this fight is our fight. It's really important for me to demonstrate just how strongly I feel that Ukraine must be supported in this fight, and that we share their values and we stand with them from start to finish.'
The Prime Minister insisted that this commitment would not change under Burnham, adding: 'I'm absolutely confident when I say our support will not waver. And we'll see that in the coming weeks.'
Confidence in Ukrainian Victory
When asked directly if he believed Ukraine could win the war, Starmer pointed to Kyiv's resilience and battlefield successes. 'When this conflict started, it was said that Russia would succeed in a matter of a few weeks. We're now in the fifth year. In the last six months alone, the Ukrainians have pushed the Russians back on the front line. They've reached into Russia with medium and long-range attacks.'
He highlighted the impact of international sanctions and efforts to curb Russia's shadow fleet, as well as Ukraine's military development. 'The sanctions are having an effect. The work we're all doing on the shadow fleet is having an effect. And they've built one of the most impressive and effective militaries in Europe over the course of the last four years. I think the tide is turning, has turned, and I'm sure they will go on and win this.'
Zelensky's Concerns Over Leadership Changes
President Zelensky admitted he was concerned about changes in leadership in Britain and upcoming elections in France, but stressed that the bonds between nations remained strong. 'Of course I'm afraid of changes, of course we are afraid because we are in the war each day. But again the priority is the relation between nations, not just between just people. I'm sure that these relations will not change, or we have to do our best not to lose such very good relations.'
Zelensky expressed hope to meet incoming PM Andy Burnham as soon as possible, adding: 'I hope we will never lose strong relations with the UK during or after the war.' Starmer replied: 'You won't.'
Honours and New Military Aid Package
During a warm meeting at the Presidential Palace in Kyiv, Zelensky awarded Starmer Ukraine's Order of Freedom, the highest honour that can be bestowed on a foreigner. The pair laid wreaths at the Wall of Remembrance for Ukraine's fallen heroes before holding a private meeting in the garden. Starmer also visited the wreckage of a Russian strike on residential buildings in Kyiv earlier this month, which destroyed 41 apartments and damaged 250 others, killing eight civilians and injuring seven more.
Starmer met first responders who rushed to the scene. He also announced a €300 million package to equip Ukraine with advanced fighter jets to defend its skies from Russian bombardment. The package will allow Kyiv to field a squadron of 16 Gripen E fighter jets by 2029, capable of air-to-air combat, strikes on ground targets, and reconnaissance missions.
