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Sir Keir Starmer has reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine as he embarks on his final official visit to the country as prime minister. During his visit to Kyiv on Thursday, he is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This meeting comes just before Andy Burnham assumes the leadership of the Labour Party and the position of prime minister.
Reflecting on the resilience shown by the Ukrainian people since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, Sir Keir praised their determination for helping to maintain the security of Europe. Throughout his tenure at Downing Street, he has highlighted the UK’s significant role in backing Ukraine’s defence efforts. Among the key developments under his leadership is the establishment of a 100-year partnership between the two nations, designed to strengthen defence cooperation and trade relations. Sir Keir has also spearheaded initiatives aimed at creating a future peacekeeping force to support lasting stability in the region.
Emphasizing the importance of long-term security, Sir Keir stated that upon becoming prime minister he was committed not only to supporting Ukraine immediately but also to building a foundation for its future success. The UK has increased its investment in defence and taken a leading role in pioneering advanced warfare technologies. He added that the UK’s efforts have helped bring allies together, as demonstrated at recent G7 and NATO summits, reinforcing a united stance against Russian aggression.
The visit takes place amid ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, including strikes on the port of Odesa. The Kremlin claims it targeted facilities used for unloading petroleum, oil, and lubricants, with attacks resulting in the deaths of eight individuals on Black Sea oil tankers. Sir Keir also praised the contributions of the UK, which is supplying British-made artillery to Ukraine as part of a £61 million agreement with defence firm BAE Systems. This assistance complements broader international support, such as Ukraine’s access to Patriot missile production authorized by the United States. During his farewell speech at Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons, Sir Keir received recognition from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for his efforts on Ukraine and his close relationship with Zelensky. Looking back, he recalled the emotional moment when he first welcomed the Ukrainian president to Downing Street following Zelensky’s public split with then US President Donald Trump. Sir Keir’s successor, Andy Burnham, is set to take over as Labour leader on Friday and become prime minister the following Monday
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