Starmer Makes Final Ukraine Visit as PM, Reaffirms UK’s Unwavering Support

British leader says support for Kyiv will remain strong despite leadership transition

Sir Keir Starmer has reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s steadfast support for Ukraine as he embarks on his final trip to Kyiv as prime minister.

The visit comes just days before Labour leader-elect Andy Burnham officially takes over the country’s leadership, marking the end of Starmer’s two-year tenure in Downing Street.

Ahead of his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday, Starmer praised the resilience of the Ukrainian people, saying their determination since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 had helped preserve Europe’s security.

The outgoing prime minister highlighted several achievements of his administration in supporting Ukraine. Among them is a landmark 100-year partnership agreement between the UK and Ukraine, designed to strengthen defence cooperation, economic ties and long-term security between the two nations.

Starmer said his government had not only stood by Ukraine during its time of need but had also worked to build a lasting foundation for the country’s future.

“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,” he said.

He also pointed to increased British defence spending and investments in advanced military technologies, saying the UK had taken a leading role in preparing for future security challenges.

The prime minister stressed that Britain had successfully rallied its allies behind Ukraine’s cause. According to him, recent G7 and NATO summits demonstrated a united front against Russian aggression.

Meanwhile, President Zelensky continues to push for stronger air defence capabilities as Russian attacks intensify. During last week’s NATO summit in Turkey, he urged allies to prioritise air defence systems to protect Ukrainian cities from heavy bombardment.

Zelensky was later granted permission by US President Donald Trump to produce Patriot missiles, a move expected to significantly strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russian ballistic missile strikes.

Britain has also announced further military assistance for Kyiv. The first batch of 150 British-made artillery barrels will be delivered to Ukraine under a £61 million contract awarded to defence giant BAE Systems.

Expressing pride in Britain’s contribution to the war effort, Starmer said the UK’s commitment to Ukraine would remain unchanged even after his departure from office.

“I am so proud of what Britain has contributed. That work will continue, and our cast-iron support for Ukraine will always endure,” he said.

His visit comes as Russia continues attacks on Ukraine’s southern port city of Odesa. The Kremlin claimed it had struck port infrastructure allegedly used for unloading petroleum products. Recent Russian attacks on oil tankers in the Black Sea reportedly killed eight people.

During his final Prime Minister’s Questions in Parliament on Wednesday, Starmer received praise from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for his support of Ukraine and his close working relationship with Zelensky.

Reflecting on his time in office, Starmer recalled the emotional meeting he had with the Ukrainian president after Zelensky’s highly publicised disagreement with Donald Trump at the White House in February 2025.

Starmer’s successor, Andy Burnham, is expected to assume office as prime minister on Monday, with the UK’s support for Ukraine set to remain a key foreign policy priority.