Starmer on final trip to Ukraine as PM pledges UK's 'cast-iron' support

Sir Keir Starmer affirmed that the UK's "cast-iron" support for Ukraine will persist as he undertakes his final visit to the country in his capacity as prime minister. He is scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv early Thursday, preceding Andy Burnham's installation as Labour figure and prime minister. In remarks ahead of the trip, Starmer praised the "fortitude" of the Ukrainian people since Russia's full‑scale invasion in February 2022, saying it has "preserved the information of Europe". He highlighted Britain's contribution to the Ukrainian war effort during his two years at Downing Street, noting the conclusion of a 100‑year agreement between the two nations designed to strengthen defence and economic links, and his role in spearheading the creation of a future peacekeeping force. He stated, "When I became premier minister, I knew the UK indispensable not simply basal with Ukraine in the moment, but assistance physique the foundations of its semipermanent information and success," and added that the UK has increased defence investment while "leading the mode successful the warfare warring technologies of the future". Furthermore, he remarked, "And we person brought others with america connected that journey. As we showed astatine the G7 and Nato summits, successful caller weeks, the UK and its allies are perfectly agreed against Russian aggression."