Sir Keir Starmer has declared that the United Kingdom's "cast-iron" support for Ukraine will "always endure" during his final visit to the war-torn nation as Prime Minister. The outgoing Labour leader met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Thursday under high-security conditions, marking his last trip to the country before leaving office.
Starmer is expected to assure Zelensky that Britain's commitment to Ukraine will continue after he is succeeded by Andy Burnham, who is set to become the fifth prime minister since Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022. Burnham will assume the Labour leadership on Friday and formally take over as prime minister on Monday.
Starmer's Message of Solidarity
"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," Starmer said. "Their stand has not only defended its own freedom, it has preserved the security of Europe."
He emphasised his administration's role in bolstering Ukraine's long-term security: "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."
Starmer highlighted allied unity against Russian aggression, noting recent G7 and NATO summits where "the UK and its allies are absolutely united against Russian aggression." 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."
New Military Aid and Industrial Boost
During the visit, Starmer announced that the first batch of 150 British-made artillery barrels is being delivered to Ukraine under a £61 million contract with BAE Systems. These 105mm and 155mm gun barrels are being produced at Sheffield Forgemasters, marking the first time forged artillery barrels have been manufactured in the UK in nearly two decades.
The aid package aims to strengthen Ukraine's defensive capabilities amid ongoing Russian attacks. Just days before Starmer's visit, Ukrainian air defences intercepted five ballistic missiles launched by Russia in a series of night assaults, though some missiles and drones struck targets in Kyiv. The attacks caused fires at two warehouses and damaged a school, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Russia's Defence Ministry claimed the strikes targeted military manufacturing facilities producing long-range missiles and drones.
Legacy and European Engagement
Starmer is spending his final days in office highlighting his legacy, particularly on Ukraine. Earlier this week, he attended a meeting of the "coalition of the willing" in Paris and joined French President Emmanuel Macron for Bastille Day celebrations on Tuesday, symbolising his post-Brexit reset with European neighbours. Macron awarded Starmer the Legion d'honneur in recognition of his support for Ukraine and European relations.
Under Starmer's premiership, the UK signed a 100-year partnership with Ukraine aimed at deepening defence and trade ties. Following a tense exchange between Zelensky and Donald Trump at the White House last year, Starmer hosted Zelensky at a Lancaster House summit, where he led efforts to establish a peacekeeping force to deter Russia in the event of an end to the war.
Britain also recently joined the European Union's €90 billion (£78 billion) loan to Ukraine, with Starmer confirming that British firms can bid for contracts funded by the loan. The financial package is intended to cover Kyiv's most urgent defence and budgetary needs in 2026 and 2027, with two-thirds allocated to military spending.
