Starmer on final trip to Ukraine as PM pledges UK's 'cast-iron' support
BBC News 2026-07-16 07:05:02
Context: Sir Keir Starmer, the outgoing Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, made a final trip to Ukraine, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, reaffirming the UK's "cast-iron" support for the country. This visit comes ahead of Starmer's successor, Andy Burnham, taking over as Labour leader and Prime Minister. Starmer highlighted the UK's contributions to Ukraine's war effort, including a 100-year partnership and investments in defence.
Key Facts
- Sir Keir Starmer visited Ukraine for the last time as Prime Minister, meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the capital Kyiv on Thursday.
- The UK has invested in defence and led efforts to establish a future peacekeeping force, with Starmer signing a 100-year partnership with Ukraine aimed at fostering closer defence and trade ties.
- Under a £61m contract with BAE Systems, the UK is providing 150 British-made artillery barrels to Ukraine to strengthen its defence against Russian attacks.
- Starmer praised the "fortitude" of the Ukrainian people since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, stating that it had "preserved the security of Europe".
- During his final Prime Minister's Questions, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch praised Starmer for his work on Ukraine and his friendship with Zelensky, recalling an "emotional moment" when he welcomed Zelensky to Downing Street.