Starmer makes final Kyiv trip as prime minister and pledges continued UK support for Ukraine

Sir Keir Starmer is in Kyiv for what he says is his final visit to Ukraine as prime minister, where he is due to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky later on Thursday. In comments released ahead of the trip, he said Britain's support for Ukraine would remain "cast-iron" as he prepares to leave office. The visit comes as the UK seeks to underline its backing for Kyiv amid Russia's full-scale invasion, now in its fourth year.

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Starmer said the fortitude of the Ukrainian people since Russia's invasion in February 2022 had "preserved the security of Europe". He pointed to the UK's 100-year partnership with Ukraine, which was signed to deepen defence and trade ties, and said his government had also worked on plans for a future peacekeeping force. He added that Britain had increased defence investment and had been "leading the way in the war fighting technologies of the future".

The prime minister said the UK and its allies were "absolutely united against Russian aggression", citing coordination at recent G7 and NATO summits. His remarks come as Ukraine continues to press partners for stronger air defence support after intense Russian strikes. The broader allied debate has focused on how to sustain military assistance while also preparing for any future security arrangements.

The visit also highlights the continuing political and military importance of Western support for Ukraine. Britain has been one of Kyiv's most active European backers since the start of the war, and Starmer has used his final days in office to frame that support as part of a longer-term security commitment. The emphasis on defence ties and peacekeeping reflects concern among allies about what happens if the conflict moves toward negotiations.

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The statement was issued against a backdrop of continued Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and shipping routes. The rows supplied also refer to strikes on the port of Odesa, where the Kremlin said it hit port infrastructure used for unloading petroleum, oil and lubricants. They also mention eight people killed in attacks on Black Sea oil tankers, underlining the continuing pressure on Ukraine's southern transport and energy links.

What remains unclear is how much practical follow-through will come from the commitments Starmer highlighted, including the future peacekeeping idea and the next stage of defence cooperation. It is also not yet clear what specific outcomes, if any, will follow his meeting with Zelensky in Kyiv. The visit is likely to be watched closely for signs of continuity in UK policy as Labour prepares for a change in leadership.

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