Keir Starmer reaffirms UK support for Ukraine on final visit as Prime Minister
Sir Keir Starmer has affirmed the UK’s “cast-iron” support for Ukraine will “always endure” during his final visit to the country as Prime Minister, reports BritPanorama.
The outgoing Labour leader is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Thursday, a high-security trip before he leaves office. He is expected to assure Mr. Zelensky that Britain’s commitment to backing Ukraine will continue after he is succeeded by Andy Burnham.
Mr. Burnham will become Labour leader on Friday, then Prime Minister on Monday. He will be the fifth premier since Russia’s 2022 invasion.
Sir Keir stated, “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.”
“And we have brought others with us on that journey. As we showed at the G7 and Nato summits in recent weeks, the UK and its allies are absolutely united against Russian aggression.”
Expressing pride in Britain’s contribution, Sir Keir added, “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.”
Sir Keir will also discuss how allies can further meet Ukraine’s needs. The first of 150 British-made artillery barrels is being provided to Ukraine to strengthen their defence under a £61 million contract with BAE Systems. The 105mm and 155mm gun barrels are being produced at Sheffield Forgemasters, marking the first time forged artillery barrels have been made in the UK for almost two decades.
The Prime Minister’s trip comes days after Ukrainian air defences intercepted five ballistic missiles launched by Russia in a series of night attacks, although other missiles and drones managed to hit Kyiv. In the capital, the attack caused fires at two warehouses, and a school was also damaged, according to the city’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko.
The Russian Defence Ministry stated that the attack targeted military manufacturing facilities in Ukraine that produce long-range missiles and drones. Ukraine’s air force reported that one ballistic missile and 25 drones struck 17 locations, with falling debris causing issues in 10 areas.
With his departure approaching, the Prime Minister is focusing on what he considers his legacy, particularly regarding support for Ukraine. His week began in Paris, where he attended a meeting of the “coalition of the willing” group.
On Tuesday morning, he participated in Bastille Day celebrations with French President Emmanuel Macron and other leaders, showcasing the closer relationships he has aimed to strengthen with European neighbours since Brexit. Mr. Macron awarded Sir Keir the Legion d’honneur in recognition of his support for Ukraine and European relations.
Sir Keir’s tenure as Prime Minister has been marked by the signing of a 100-year partnership between the UK and Ukraine, which aims to foster closer defence and trade ties, among other goals.
Earlier this week, it was also announced that Britain is joining the EU’s 90 billion euro (£78 billion) loan to Ukraine. The Prime Minister noted that British firms would be eligible to bid for contracts funded by the EU’s Ukraine support loan, which is intended to address Kyiv’s most urgent defence and budgetary needs for 2026 and 2027, with two-thirds of the total allocated to military spending.
The ongoing situation underscores the complexity of international support and the enduring impacts of conflict. Each commitment to Ukraine, especially from the UK, reflects the shifting geopolitical landscape.
