During a Kyiv visit, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a landmark 100-year partnership agreement, underscoring continued UK support for Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia.
This announcement precedes the upcoming US presidential inauguration, amid concerns about potential shifts in American military commitment to Europe and strategies to resolve the conflict.
“Our commitment to Ukraine isn’t limited to the present or near future, but extends for a century—well beyond this war’s end, ensuring a free and prosperous Ukraine,” Starmer affirmed to Zelenskyy, pledging steadfast UK support in securing Ukraine’s post-war safety.
The agreement outlines extensive collaboration between the two nations, encompassing defense (particularly maritime security against Russian activities in the Black Sea, Baltic Sea, and Sea of Azov), technological projects (including drone technology, crucial in the conflict), and a system to monitor the illicit export of Ukrainian grain from occupied territories by Russia.
Ukraine’s Western alignment and potential NATO membership have provoked Russia’s ire, which continues to seek influence over the independent nation.
Coinciding with the meeting at the presidential palace, debris from intercepted Russian drones fell across several Kyiv districts, according to city administrator Tymur Tkachenko, including an area near the presidential palace.
Starmer highlighted these drone attacks as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Ukrainians and their unwavering resolve.
Starmer’s unannounced visit marks his first to Ukraine since assuming office in July, although he noted it was their seventh meeting.
Italy’s defense minister also visited Kyiv on Thursday, following visits from Germany’s defense minister and a phone call between Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron.
This concentrated diplomatic activity precedes Trump’s inauguration, anticipated to bring a change from the previous US administration’s unwavering support for Ukraine. Trump has also suggested a shift towards increased European responsibility for aiding Ukraine.
Ukraine’s allies are intensifying support before Trump’s inauguration, aiming to bolster Ukraine’s position in future negotiations to end the full-scale invasion that began on February 24, 2022.
Concerns exist in Ukraine that Trump’s approach may necessitate unfavorable concessions, such as territorial surrender. Zelenskyy has emphasized the need for security guarantees to prevent future Russian invasions.
“We must explore pathways to a just and lasting peace, ensuring Ukraine’s security, independence, and right to self-determination,” Starmer stated during a joint press conference.
Zelenskyy mentioned discussions with Starmer regarding Macron’s proposal for Western troops to monitor a future ceasefire, but deemed it premature to discuss specifics.
Starmer indicated openness to UK involvement, assuring Zelenskyy of collaboration with allies to establish robust security guarantees for Ukraine.
“These discussions will continue for many months,” Starmer added.
Zelenskyy previously discussed potential peacekeeping forces with Baltic states, France, and Poland, emphasizing their role as part of a broader security solution, while highlighting the indispensable role of the United States.
Starmer agreed on the US’s vital role, acknowledging its position as the largest supplier of military aid and advanced weaponry to Ukraine.
“Our collaboration with the US will continue,” Starmer stated.
Starmer pledged increased UK military support for Ukraine in 2025, exceeding previous levels. He mentioned the UK’s commitment of £3 billion ($3.6 billion) in military aid this year, including additional artillery barrels and the Gravehawk air defense system. The UK has pledged a total of £12.8 billion ($15.6 billion) in military and civilian aid since the war began.
During his visit, Starmer and Zelenskyy paid respects at a memorial wall for war victims and visited a Kyiv burn treatment hospital and a drone technology exhibition.
As the war approaches its third anniversary, both Russia and Ukraine are striving for battlefield advantages before potential peace talks. Ukraine launched a second offensive in Russia’s Kursk region, while intensifying drone and missile attacks on Russian military infrastructure.
Russia is making slow territorial gains at a high cost in eastern Ukraine and targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, aiming to disrupt essential services during winter. A significant Russian missile attack on Wednesday led to power grid shutdowns in several regions.