Outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has declared that the United Kingdom's support for Ukraine "will not waver" with the transition to a new prime minister, during his final visit to Kyiv on Thursday. Speaking just hours after Russian strikes killed two and injured six, including a teenager, Starmer expressed confidence in Ukraine's victory in the war against Russia.
Starmer Affirms Confidence in Ukraine's Victory
In an interview with Sky News, Starmer stated, "I believe Ukraine will win this war." He praised Ukraine's military effectiveness, noting, "What they've shown is that it's not just the size of your army, it's how you fight a modern conflict. And so they are probably the most effective fighting machine in Europe."
When asked about assurances from his successor regarding continued support, Starmer responded, "I would not have said what I said to President Zelensky if I wasn't confident about what I was saying." He emphasized that the conflict is about "values of democracy and freedom" that are important to the British people.
Transition of Power Will Not Affect UK-Ukraine Relations
Starmer's visit occurred on his final full day as Labour leader. Andy Burnham is set to take over the party leadership at a special conference in London on Friday before entering Downing Street on Monday. At a press conference with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Starmer insisted the handover would not alter the relationship between the two nations.
"The fact that there will be a new prime minister in the United Kingdom, in the days to come, doesn't change that dynamic at all," Starmer said. "The resolve of the United Kingdom remains the same, it will not waver." He noted that support has been consistent since the conflict began, with cross-party unity and the Ukrainian flag still flying above Downing Street.
€300 Million Funding for Gripen Jets
During the visit, Starmer announced €300 million in funding to deliver a squadron of 16 advanced Swedish Gripen jets to Ukraine by 2029. The government stated the program would support approximately 5,000 jobs across more than 50 UK companies in the global Gripen supply chain, including Saab UK in Fareham, Hampshire, and Leonardo UK in Edinburgh. The Gripen aircraft are capable of air-to-air combat, ground strikes, and reconnaissance missions, aiming to modernize Ukraine's air force and defend against Russian aerial attacks.
A Downing Street readout confirmed that the two leaders "agreed that the increase in attacks on Kyiv in recent weeks was despicable." Starmer reiterated his certainty that UK support for Ukraine would continue.
Zelensky on Leadership Changes and Relations
President Zelensky, asked about dealing with five UK prime ministers since the war began, said he had built "strong relations" with all of them and hoped to build "new strong relations" with the next prime minister, seeking a meeting "as soon as possible." Addressing concerns about leadership changes in the UK and France, Zelensky admitted, "Of course I'm afraid of changes, of course we are afraid because we are in the war each day." However, he stressed, "the priority is the relation between nations, not just between people. I'm sure that these relations will not change."
Starmer replied, "You won't." Earlier, the two leaders visited Kyiv's memorial wall, where Zelensky thanked Starmer and the UK for their "unwavering respect for our warriors" who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Starmer's Final Week Focused on Ukraine
Starmer spent much of his final week in office on Ukraine, traveling to Paris on Monday for a meeting of the "coalition of the willing," where he announced the UK would join the EU's €90 billion (£78 billion) loan to Kyiv. His tenure has been marked by strong support for Ukraine, including a 100-year partnership and plans for a peacekeeping force in the event of a ceasefire.
During the Kyiv trip, Starmer visited a residential area in the Podilskyi District hit by Russian strikes earlier this month. Burned-out vehicles and a huge apartment building bore the scars of an attack on July 6 that killed eight residents and injured at least seven, destroying 41 apartment buildings and damaging over 250. Starmer spoke to two elderly women, one of whom said she was "really terrified" during the strikes; Starmer called it "outrageous" to attack civilians in residential areas.
Starmer also watched a football match between amputee veterans' teams, Kolos-Bureviy and Shakhtar Stalevi. Olena Balbek, director of strategy and sustainability at the Ukrainian Football Association, said it was "amazing" and "really big support" that the Prime Minister watched the match.
