UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Visits Ukraine, Announces Century-Long Security Pact

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 British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Kyiv on Thursday, pledging to secure Ukraine’s safety for the next century. His visit culminates in the signing of a "100-Year Partnership" treaty with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, covering critical areas such as defense, energy, science, and trade.


This unannounced trip marks Starmer’s first visit to Ukraine as prime minister, following a prior visit in 2023 during his tenure as opposition leader. The war in Ukraine, nearing its third anniversary, has prompted heightened international diplomatic activity, including recent visits from Italy’s defense chief, Germany’s defense minister, and discussions between Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Starmer’s trip also comes just days before Donald Trump’s inauguration as U.S. president, a transition that is expected to shift American support for Ukraine. Trump has indicated a desire to reduce U.S. aid and encourage Europe to take on more responsibility.

Reinforcing UK-Ukraine Relations

Arriving on a frosty morning in Kyiv, Starmer was welcomed by UK Ambassador Martin Harris and Ukraine’s envoy to London, Valerii Zaluzhnyi. Speaking at Kyiv railway station, Starmer emphasized the importance of sustained support:
“We’re a long way into this conflict. We mustn’t let up.”

The UK has been a significant ally of Ukraine, committing £12.8 billion ($16 billion) in military and civilian aid since Russia’s full-scale invasion began. British training programs have prepared over 50,000 Ukrainian troops. During his visit, Starmer announced an additional £40 million ($49 million) to aid Ukraine’s economic recovery postwar.

Strengthening Defense and Security

The newly proposed partnership treaty aims to ensure Ukraine is never again vulnerable to Russian aggression. Key components include joint efforts in defense, particularly maritime security in the Baltic, Black, and Azov Seas. The pact also focuses on technological collaboration, such as advancements in drone warfare, and systems to monitor the theft of Ukrainian grain from Russian-occupied territories.

“Putin’s ambition to wrench Ukraine away from its closest partners has been a monumental strategic failure. Instead, we are closer than ever,” Starmer stated. “This partnership will bring our countries together for the next century, fostering technological, scientific, and cultural collaboration while securing Ukraine’s future.”

International Concerns and Strategic Planning

Ukraine’s allies have ramped up support ahead of Trump’s inauguration, seeking to fortify Ukraine’s position before potential negotiations. Zelensky has repeatedly stressed the need for long-term security assurances, including a roadmap for Ukraine to join NATO. While NATO’s 32 members agree that Ukraine will eventually become a member, this step will only be taken after the war ends.

Zelensky and Starmer also plan to discuss a proposal by French President Emmanuel Macron to deploy international peacekeeping forces in Ukraine to oversee a ceasefire. Zelensky has emphasized that such measures must be coupled with clear NATO membership commitments.

Battlefield Updates and Energy Attacks

As the war drags on, both Russia and Ukraine are intensifying their efforts on the battlefield. Ukraine has launched a second offensive in Russia’s Kursk region while ramping up drone and missile strikes on Russian weapons sites and fuel depots.

Meanwhile, Russia continues its methodical, high-casualty advances along a 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front in eastern Ukraine. In addition to battlefield maneuvers, Russia has escalated its attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. A large-scale missile assault on Wednesday forced authorities to temporarily shut down the power grid in multiple regions, leaving many Ukrainians without heat or electricity during the harsh winter.

The visit underscores the UK’s commitment to Ukraine’s resilience and independence, even as international dynamics shift with the incoming U.S. administration.

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