Sir Keir Starmer has insisted that the United Kingdom's support for Ukraine will remain steadfast even after he steps down as prime minister, during his final visit to Kyiv while in office. The outgoing Labour leader met President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday, hours after Russian strikes killed two people and injured six, including a teenager.
Starmer used the trip to announce a €300 million (£255 million) package to fund fighter jets aimed at strengthening Ukraine's air defences, a programme expected to support around 5,000 jobs in the UK. The funding will help deliver a squadron of 16 advanced Swedish Gripen jets to Ukraine by 2029, according to the government.
Continuity of Support
Speaking at a press conference at Zelensky's official ceremonial residence, Starmer said the handover of power to his successor, Andy Burnham, 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,” he said. “The resolve of the United Kingdom remains the same, it will not waver.”
Starmer emphasised that cross-party unity on Ukraine had been consistent since the conflict began, noting that “the Ukrainian flag still flies above Downing Street.” He added that there was strong resolve across politics and among the public, as the war had touched lives in Britain through rising costs and state-backed Russian aggression at home.
Honours and Funding
During the press conference, Starmer appeared moved as Zelensky awarded him the Order of Freedom, Ukraine's highest honour for a foreign national. “It really means a huge amount,” Starmer said. The two leaders also discussed the increase in attacks on Kyiv, which they agreed were “despicable,” according to a Downing Street read-out.
The Gripen jets, capable of air-to-air combat, ground strikes, and reconnaissance, will modernise Ukraine's air force and boost its ability to defend against Russian aerial attacks. The programme involves over 50 UK companies, including Saab UK in Fareham and Leonardo UK in Edinburgh.
Relations with Successive Prime Ministers
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 forge “new strong relations” with the next prime minister, expressing a desire for a meeting “as soon as possible.” Earlier, at Kyiv's memorial wall, Zelensky thanked Starmer and the UK for their “unwavering respect for our warriors” who had made the ultimate sacrifice.
Starmer has focused heavily on Ukraine in his final week in office, including travelling 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 signing a 100-year partnership and leading plans for a peacekeeping force in the event of a ceasefire.
