U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday vowed to provide Ukraine with the necessary support to ensure its strongest position against Russia in 2025.
Speaking ahead of his meeting with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, U.K. PM Starmer emphasized on giving the necessary support to Ukraine.
A Landmark Pact
He signed what Downing Street has called a “landmark 100-year partnership” pact with Ukraine.
“Today is a truly historic day, our relationship is closer than ever,” the Ukrainian President told reporters after signing the pact.
Economic And Military Suppport
The agreement formalizes economic and military support already pledged to the country
In his first trip to Ukraine since becoming Prime Minister in July last year, Starmer was keen to underline Britain’s support for the nation just days before Donald Trump returns to power in the United States.
His visit comes two days after that of the German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.
European leaders are weighing what security guarantees they can provide as part of any peace agreement that may be pushed by Trump.
Concerns Over Trump’s Peace Plan
Trump’s return to the White House has drawn concerns that a bid to end Moscow’s war could force Ukraine to cede large parts of the country to Russia for the foreseeable future.
“It’s very important we ensure that Ukraine is in the strongest possible position,” Starmer told reporters after visiting patients at a Kyiv hospital specializing in treating burns.
“And that’s why I’ve had such intense discussions with President Zelenskyy over the months that I’ve been Prime Minister. We’re a long way into this conflict. We mustn’t let up,” he said.
Commitment Of Support
“We are with you not just today, for this year or the next – but for 100 years – long after this terrible war is over and Ukraine is free and thriving once again,” the U.K. Prime Minister told the Ukrainian president.
As the war against Russia approaches its three-year mark, Ukraine is on the backfoot on the front lines.
Ukrainian Forces Facing Setbacks
Ukrainian forces are suffering from manpower shortages and losing ground in the eastern Donetsk region as Russia’s troops continue their crawling advance there.
As Starmer met officials in Kyiv, a loud explosion was heard from Ukrainian air defence systems shooting down Russian drones.
Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, Britain has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine, with Starmer’s predecessors visiting Kyiv in the early days of their tenure.
100-Year Partnership
It took a little longer for Starmer to make the trip, but he comes armed with a 100-year partnership with Kyiv to deepen security and cultural ties.
The treaty and political declaration aims to boost military cooperation to strengthen security in the Baltic Sea, Black Sea and Sea of Azov and deter Russian aggression.
The treaty will also cover areas such as energy, critical minerals and green steel production, Starmer’s office said.
“Putin’s ambition to wrench Ukraine away from its closest partners has been a monumental strategic failure,” Starmer said in a statement.
“Instead, we are closer than ever, and this partnership will take that friendship to the next level,” Starmer said.
Britain’s Support
Britain has provided 12.8 billion pounds ($16 billion) in support to Ukraine since 2022, a sum dwarfed by Washington’s $63.5 billion in security assistance, underscoring the importance of Trump’s actions over Ukraine.
The partnership announced on Thursday, provides 40 million pounds for Ukraine’s economic recovery, includes additional support around trade with Ukraine’s thriving technology sector.
(With inputs from Reuters)
