British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emerged as a key figure this week on his first official visit to Ukraine as head of the British government.
During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, they signed a new 100-year partnership agreement to deepen security ties. According to Suspilne, the UK will expand the training program for the Ukrainian military and develop cooperation in the field of long-range weapons and weapons development.
At a joint press conference, the president said that Ukraine and Britain had agreed to receive annual military aid. Ukraine will also receive funds from frozen Russian assets.
In addition, the UK is expanding its training program for the Ukrainian military. There will be more cooperation in the field of long-range weapons, as well as cooperation in the creation of weapons. Britain will also help in the field of education. British universities will cooperate with Ukrainian ones.
This is not just about what is happening here and now, but also about investing in our two countries for the next century, combining technology, scientific achievements and cultural exchanges, and using the phenomenal innovation demonstrated by Ukraine in recent years for future generations, – Starmer said.
Later, it became known that British leader Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are negotiating the deployment of British and French troops to Ukraine as a peacekeeping contingent after a possible peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia.
The proposal comes amid discussions about supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, while US President-elect Donald Trump is calling on Kyiv to reach a peace deal with Russia.
It is worth noting that Keir Starmer said that in the near future the UK will provide Ukraine with 150 artillery pieces and a new mobile air defense system.
Today I am pleased to announce that we are providing 150 artillery pieces, which for the first time in 20 years will be manufactured in the UK, and will be delivered to Ukraine in just a few weeks. We will also be supplying a new mobile air defense system called Gravehawk, which is co-financed with Denmark, – said Stramer.
The prime minister added that Britain has already allocated 3 billion pounds (about $3.6 billion) for military aid, and will provide another 2.2 billion pounds (about $2.6 billion), which will be returned through interest on frozen Russian assets.
Starmer assured that Britain would also continue to train the Ukrainian military.
In his interview with Politico, Keir Starmer emphasized the need for European allies to consolidate their efforts to support Ukraine in the face of expected changes in US policy after the inauguration of Donald Trump.
He emphasized that the UK is ready to play a key role in peace initiatives, including the possibility of a peacekeeping mission with the participation of British troops.
Starmer also emphasized the importance of increased military assistance to Ukraine by all European countries. According to him, this allows
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to negotiate with Russia from the strongest possible position.
I think collectively we have to do more. I think the whole of Europe recognizes this, – Starmer said.
He emphasized that right now, European countries must show their responsibility to Ukraine and demonstrate unity in countering aggression.
Who is Keir Starmer?
Keir Starmer is a British politician and lawyer. On April 4, 2020, he became the leader of the Labour Party. Since then, his main task has been to return the party to a more centrist position, thus making it more electable. Prior to that, Labor had been in opposition for 14 years.
On July 5, 2024, Labour leader Keir Starmer officially became the 58th Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after King Charles III appointed him to the post. His party won the snap parliamentary election and gained more than 400 seats out of 650 in the House of Commons.
In its election manifesto, the Labor Party mentioned the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In February 2023, during a visit to Kyiv, Starmer promised that Britain would continue to help Ukraine defend itself.
Statements by Keir Starmer
We have an idea of peace through strength. This peace must come on Ukraine’s terms, and the force must be maintained. So we will work with our allies to ensure that Ukraine is in the strongest possible position to defend itself and deter Russia in the future, – Starmer said during a joint conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
It is incredible to see the evidence of the atrocities I saw this morning. Photos of civilians on the outskirts of Kyiv blindfolded, with their hands tied behind their backs. There must be justice in The Hague, and there must be proper reparations as Ukraine rebuilds, – the British opposition leader said after a surprise visit to Kyiv and a visit to Bucha.
Our country has voted decisively for change, national renewal and a return to public service politics, – Starmer said in a speech on the steps of Downing Street after arriving at Buckingham Palace.
The new prime minister also paid tribute to the “dedication and hard work” of his predecessor, Rishi Sunak, saying that his achievement in becoming the first British-Asian leader of the United Kingdom required “extra effort that … no one should underestimate”, The Guardian noted.
Conclusion
Keir Starmer has demonstrated strong support for Ukraine, both militarily and politically. His recent first official visit to Ukraine as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom resulted in the signing of a security agreement.
In addition, his active diplomatic engagement demonstrates the UK’s commitment to playing an important role in supporting Ukraine and strengthening European security.
Kateryna Yashchuk
