Sir Keir Starmer is in Ukraine today for the signing of a “100-Year Partnership” to show Britain’s “steadfast support” for the embattled country.
The PM arrived by train in the capital Kyiv – where he is set to announce the new long-term partnership alongside Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.
The deal is set to boost military collaboration on maritime security and will bring together experts in areas including drone technology – a key feature of the gruelling war, which has nearly crossed the three-year mark.
While Zelensky has previously suggested he would use the talks to push for British troops to be deployed to Ukraine as peacekeepers following any ceasefire deal with Putin.
Sir Keir Starmer is in Ukraine today for the signing of a ‘100 Year Partnership’ with Volodymyr Zelensky
PA
PICTURED: Sir Keir Starmer is briefed by his military assistant on a train to Kyiv
PA
Starmer said on social media: “Peace through strength. I’m in Kyiv with a simple message to the people of Ukraine.
“Our 100-Year Partnership is a promise that we are with you, not just today or tomorrow, but for a hundred years – long after this war is over and Ukraine is free and thriving once again.”
And in an earlier swipe at Russia, the PM said: “Putin’s ambition to wrench Ukraine away from its closest partners has been a monumental strategic failure.
“Instead, we are closer than ever and this partnership will take that friendship to the next level.
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Zelensky has previously suggested he would use the talks to push for British troops to be deployed to Ukraine
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“This is not just about the here and now, it is also about an investment in our two countries for the next century, bringing together technology development, scientific advances and cultural exchanges and harnessing the phenomenal innovation shown by Ukraine in recent years for generations to come.
“The power of our long-term friendships cannot be underestimated. Supporting Ukraine to defend itself from Russia’s barbaric invasion and rebuild a prosperous, sovereign future is vital to this Government’s foundation of security and our plan for change.
“Through this partnership, we are creating a strong economy that works for the British people, a safe country that protects our interests at home and abroad and a prosperous society.”
The foreign trip is Starmer’s 17th separate overseas engagement as Prime Minister, with Ukraine the 17th different country or territory he has visited.
The impending return of Donald Trump to the White House has sparked concerns in Ukraine that their cash-flow could be cut
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And it has been met with cross-party support – Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge said: “I’m pleased that the Prime Minister is visiting Ukraine, and taking forward the 100-Year Partnership, initiated and planned when we were in Government.
“This reaffirms our strong consensus to do everything possible to support Ukraine.”
Since the start of the war in February 2022, the UK has given Ukraine almost £13billion in military support, aid and energy infrastructure investment.
While that sum pales in comparison to the US’s $63.5billion (£52billion) funding drive, the impending return of Donald Trump to the White House has sparked concerns in Ukraine that their cash flow could be cut.
German defence minister Boris Pistorius also travelled to Ukraine two days ago, with European leaders weighing up what security guarantees they can provide as part of any peace agreement that may be pushed by a Trump administration.