Keir Starmer hails ‘closer than ever’ partnership with Ukraine on Kyiv visit
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Two countries to sign deal to deepen existing defence relationship and boost economic links in non-military areas. Keir Starmer has travelled to Ukraine to meet Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the first time since he entered Downing Street, hailing a “closer than ever” partnership days before Donald Trump returns to the White House.
The two countries will sign a partnership deal to deepen the existing defence relationship, with further military assistance to Kyiv on offer amid concerns the US could start to wind down its support. Trump, who will be sworn back into office on Monday, has frequently repeated his promise to bring the conflict in Ukraine to a swift conclusion. He is expected to meet the Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, early in his presidency.
Zelenskyy has urged Ukraine’s western allies “not to drop the ball” and to continue to provide long-term military support to his embattled country, warning that pulling the plug “will only invite more aggression, chaos and war”. Starmer is expected to discuss what security guarantees the UK can offer Kyiv, including the possibility of British troops being part of a post-war peacekeeping force.
“Putin’s ambition to wrench Ukraine way from its closest parters has been a monumental strategic failure. Instead, we are closer than ever, and this partnership will take that friendship to the next level,” Starmer said. “The power of our long-term friendships cannot be underestimated. Supporting Ukraine to defend itself from Russia’s barbaric invasion and rebuild a prosperous, sovereign future is vital to this government’s foundation of security and our plan for change.”.
