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Outgoing British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s enduring support for Ukraine, pledging continued military and financial assistance during his final official visit to Kyiv before leaving office.
Standing alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Starmer announced a fresh assistance package valued at £255 million (€300 million).
The package includes funding for 16 advanced military aircraft and other defence equipment aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s resistance against Russia’s ongoing invasion.
Addressing reporters in the Ukrainian capital, Starmer rejected suggestions that backing Ukraine had become a burden on Britain, arguing instead that Ukraine’s resilience had played a crucial role in safeguarding the security of Europe.
In recognition of his support, President Zelensky presented Starmer with Ukraine’s prestigious Order of Freedom, honouring his contribution to strengthening ties between the two nations.
The visit comes at a politically sensitive moment in Ukraine, following President Zelensky’s unexpected dismissal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, whose anti-corruption reforms had earned widespread public support.
Although no official explanation has been provided, lawmakers are expected to approve Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko as the country’s new defence chief.
Starmer also sought to reassure Ukraine that Britain’s foreign policy would remain unchanged after his departure.
Andy Burnham is due to take over as Labour Party leader before assuming the role of prime minister next week.
He stressed that London’s commitment to Kyiv transcends changes in political leadership, insisting the UK would continue standing firmly beside Ukraine throughout the conflict.
Reflecting on his time in office, Starmer highlighted key achievements, including the signing of a century-long partnership agreement designed to deepen defence cooperation, trade relations and long-term strategic collaboration between Britain and Ukraine.
He also pointed to Britain’s leadership in efforts to establish a future multinational peacekeeping arrangement.
Describing Ukraine’s struggle as one shared by Britain, Starmer praised the determination of the Ukrainian people and expressed confidence that their sacrifices would ultimately lead to success.
He further noted that British assistance had helped accelerate the growth of the UK’s drone manufacturing sector, transforming it into a globally competitive industry while simultaneously enhancing Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities.
The latest package also includes the delivery of the first batch of 150 artillery barrels manufactured in Britain under a £61 million agreement with defence contractor BAE Systems.
Meanwhile, Russia intensified attacks on Ukraine’s southern coastline, with strikes targeting infrastructure around the Black Sea port of Odesa.
Moscow claimed the operation hit facilities linked to petroleum supplies, while reports indicated that eight people were killed in separate attacks involving oil tankers in the region.
Starmer’s visit followed his final appearance at Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons, where political opponents commended his leadership on Ukraine and his close working relationship with President Zelensky.
Looking back on his tenure, the outgoing prime minister recalled welcoming the Ukrainian leader to Downing Street after Zelensky’s widely publicised meeting with US President Donald Trump in early 2025, describing it as one of the defining moments of his premiership and reaffirming Britain’s determination to remain a steadfast ally of Ukraine.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong