Outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has made a final visit to Kyiv, meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday, in what he described as a demonstration of the UK's 'cast-iron' support for Ukraine that will 'always endure.' The trip comes as Starmer prepares to be ousted as Labour leader on Friday and leave No 10 on Monday.
Starmer's Final Act as PM: High-Security Kyiv Visit
Starmer travelled to the war-torn capital under high security for the last time as Prime Minister. He co-founded the 'coalition of the willing,' a 34-nation group ready to support peace through robust security guarantees. Earlier this week, he went to Paris to secure a deal for Ukraine, aiming to cement his legacy.
'Cast-Iron' Support and European Security
In a statement, Starmer 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.' He added: 'When I became Prime Minister, I knew the UK must not simply stand with Ukraine in the moment, but help build the foundations of its long-term security and success. That's why we put the UK at the centre of a stronger Europe - investing more money into defence, leading the way in the war fighting technologies of the future and doing everything we can to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position.'
UK Leadership in International Alliances
Starmer highlighted the UK's role at recent G7 and NATO Summits, stating: 'the UK and its allies are absolutely united against Russian aggression.' He expressed pride in Britain's contributions, which he said will continue, and emphasised that support for Ukraine endures not only for Ukraine and European security but also for British families who have felt the cost of the war through rising prices.
Recent Russian Attacks on Kyiv
The visit comes days after Ukrainian air defences intercepted five ballistic missiles launched by Russia in a series of night attacks, though other missiles and drones hit Kyiv. The attack caused fires at two warehouses and damaged a school, according to Kyiv's mayor Vitali Klitschko. The Russian Defence Ministry said the attack targeted military manufacturing facilities producing long-range missiles and drones. Ukraine's air force reported one ballistic missile and 25 drones struck 17 locations, with falling debris in 10 locations.
