British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made a surprise visit to Kyiv today, pledging a groundbreaking commitment to Ukraine’s long-term security. This comes just days before Donald Trump assumes the U.S. presidency, as reported by the Associated Press.
During his stay in the Ukrainian capital, Starmer and President Volodymyr Zelensky are set to ink a historic “hundred-year partnership” pact. this comprehensive agreement will address critical sectors including defense, energy, scientific collaboration, and trade, signaling a robust alliance between the two nations.
This marks Starmer’s first official trip to Ukraine as he became Prime Minister in July 2023. Though,his involvement with the region dates back to 2023,when he visited as the opposition leader. Since then, he has engaged in two high-profile discussions with Zelensky at 10 Downing Street in London, underscoring the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine.
As one of Ukraine’s staunchest allies, Britain has already contributed £12.8 billion in military and humanitarian aid since the onset of Russia’s invasion in 2022. Beyond financial assistance, the UK has played a pivotal role in training more than 50,000 Ukrainian troops on British soil, enhancing the contry’s military capabilities.
In a gesture of solidarity, Starmer is anticipated to unveil an additional £40 million to aid Ukraine’s post-conflict recovery efforts. This funding aims to bolster reconstruction projects and ensure the nation’s resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.