Starmer pledges ‘cast-iron support’ for Ukraine on final visit as PM
Starmer Pledges 'Cast-Iron Support' for Ukraine on Final Visit as PM
Starmer pledges cast iron support for Ukraine - Sir Keir Starmer concluded his tenure as UK prime minister with a final diplomatic trip to Ukraine, where he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. During the visit, he reaffirmed Britain’s "cast-iron" commitment to Ukraine’s defense, emphasizing that this support would remain steadfast even as he stepped down from leadership. His departure marks the end of his role as Labour leader, with Andy Burnham set to assume the party’s helm on Friday and take over as prime minister on Monday.
Ukraine’s Resilience and UK Contributions
Starmer praised the resilience of the Ukrainian people since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. He noted that their endurance has safeguarded European security, underscoring the UK’s role in bolstering the nation’s war effort over the past two years. During his time in Downing Street, the UK secured a 100-year defense and trade agreement with Ukraine, laying groundwork for future collaboration and peacekeeping initiatives.
“When I became prime minister, I knew the UK must not simply stand with Ukraine in the moment, but help build the foundations of its long-term security and success,” Starmer stated.
Zelensky’s NATO Appeal
Meanwhile, Zelensky called on NATO allies during a summit in Turkey to prioritize air defense systems amid heavy Russian bombardment. His plea came after the Kremlin claimed to have struck infrastructure at Odesa’s port, which handles petroleum, oil, and lubricants. The attacks resulted in eight civilian deaths, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by Ukraine.
Military Aid and Collaborative Efforts
As part of the UK’s support, a £61 million contract with BAE Systems will supply 150 British-made artillery barrels to Ukraine. This comes alongside a recent agreement allowing the production of Patriot missiles, granted by US President Donald Trump, to counter Russian ballistic threats. Starmer reiterated that the UK’s investments in defense and cutting-edge warfare technologies would continue, with allies united against Russian aggression.
Starmer also reflected on his time in government, describing the final Prime Minister’s Questions as a bittersweet milestone. He was commended by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for his work on Ukraine and his personal rapport with Zelensky. Recalling a memorable moment, Starmer mentioned welcoming Zelensky to Downing Street following a high-profile dispute with Trump in February 2025. “I had a meeting with him to tell him that in this country we will stand with him and Ukraine,” he said.
Legacy and Transition
With his successor Andy Burnham preparing to lead Labour and take over as prime minister, Starmer’s final visit underscored his dedication to Ukraine. His statements highlighted the UK’s role in shaping a secure future for the nation, even as he transitions to a new chapter in his political career. Readers can stay updated on UK politics by signing up for the Politics Essential newsletter.