KYIV, Ukraine — On Thursday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made an unannounced visit to Ukraine with a commitment to support the nation’s security for the next century, coinciding with the upcoming inauguration of Donald Trump as U.S. president.
The British government has indicated that Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will formalize a “100-Year Partnership” treaty during this visit, focusing on collaboration in areas such as defense, science, energy, and trade.
This marks Starmer’s first trip to Ukraine since assuming office in July. He previously visited while serving as opposition leader in 2023 and has met with Zelenskyy on two occasions in London since becoming prime minister.
Starmer was welcomed at the Kyiv railway station by the U.K. ambassador to Ukraine, Martin Harris, and Ukraine’s representative to London, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, on a cold and overcast morning.
As one of Ukraine’s major military supporters, the U.K. has committed around 12.8 billion pounds ($16 billion) in military and civilian aid following Russia’s extensive invasion three years prior and has trained over 50,000 Ukrainian personnel on British soil. During his visit, Starmer plans to announce an additional allocation of 40 million pounds ($49 million) for Ukraine’s economic recovery post-conflict.
However, the United States plays a more significant role, and there is considerable apprehension regarding American aid to Ukraine with Trump set to take office on January 20. The president-elect has expressed concerns about U.S. funding for Ukraine, desires a quick resolution to the conflict, and intends to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he has previously praised.
In anticipation of Trump’s inauguration, Ukraine’s allies are working to deliver as much assistance as possible to strengthen Ukraine’s position ahead of any negotiations to bring an end to the war.
Zelenskyy has emphasized that any peace talks will require guarantees for Ukraine’s future defense against its much larger neighbor, Russia.
Britain’s long-term commitment is intended to reassure Ukraine, ensuring that it is “never again vulnerable to the type of aggression inflicted by Russia,” which annexed Crimea in 2014 and launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022.
The agreement will foster collaboration in defense, focusing particularly on maritime security against Russian operations in the Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and Sea of Azov. Additionally, it covers technological initiatives like drone development, which have proven crucial for both sides during the ongoing conflict. The treaty also aims to establish a tracking mechanism for Ukrainian grain that has been illegally exported by Russia from occupied regions.
“Putin’s ambition to separate Ukraine from its closest allies has been a monumental strategic failure. Rather, we find ourselves closer than ever; this partnership will elevate our friendship,” Starmer asserted before his trip.
He also stated, “This effort transcends immediate issues; it is an investment in our two nations for the next century, fostering technological innovations, scientific advancements, and cultural interactions and leveraging the extraordinary advancements Ukraine has demonstrated over recent years.”
In tandem with Starmer, Zelenskyy plans to explore a proposal from French President Emmanuel Macron, which involves deploying troops from France and other Western nations to Ukraine to supervise a ceasefire agreement.
Zelenskyy has maintained that such an initiative must coincide with a clear timeline for Ukraine’s accession to NATO. While the alliance’s 32 nations have affirmed that Ukraine will join in the future, it remains contingent on the conclusion of the ongoing war. Trump has previously shown a degree of support for Putin’s viewpoint that Ukraine should not be part of NATO.
As the war approaches its three-year anniversary, both Russia and Ukraine are striving for territorial advancements ahead of potential peace discussions. Ukraine has initiated a second offensive in the Kursk region of Russia as it attempts to secure territory gained during past conflicts. Meanwhile, it has increased drone and missile strikes targeting weaponry sites and fuel depots within Russia.
Despite this, Russian forces are gradually gaining ground at a considerable cost of lives along the 600-mile (1,000-kilometer) front in eastern Ukraine while conducting heavy bombardments aimed at crippling Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, particularly during the harsh winter months. A major missile assault from Russia on various regions in Ukraine on Wednesday forced authorities to temporarily shut down parts of the power grid.
