Starmer visits Ukraine to sign partnership deal

Unlike other prime ministers who have rushed to Kyiv, Sir Keir has taken his time to visit, but after six months in office he is now coming to Ukraine pledging long-term support against what he calls Russia’s “illegal and barbaric invasion”.

Speaking as he travelled to the country, he said: “This is not just about the here and now, it is also about an investment in our two countries for the next century.”

“[Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s ambition to wrench Ukraine away from its closest partners has been a monumental strategic failure. Instead, we are closer than ever, and this partnership will take that friendship to the next level,” he added.

Thursday’s announcement includes more military and economic aid to prove that, as well as increased military collaboration on maritime security and drone technology, and healthcare.

Zelensky has previously said he is looking towards the UK for help getting security guarantees to deter future attacks.

Joining Nato is towards the top of Zelensky’s wish list, but Ukraine also wants its allies to send peacekeepers to the country if fighting does stop, to patrol the current frontline which could become a buffer zone in any peace agreement.

Ahead of the visit, Zelensky said this was something he would discuss with the prime minister.

It builds on £12.8bn of support the UK has already given to Ukraine. The country has also already committed to giving the country £3bn in military aid every year for “as long as it takes”.

Ukraine has already been using British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles to attack Russian military facilities far from the border.

Their arrival late last year was welcomed by Kyiv, and slammed by Moscow.

Starmer previously visited Ukraine when he was leader of the opposition in 2023, and has hosted President Zelensky twice at Downing Street since entering office.