Outgoing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has travelled to Kyiv for what is expected to be his final visit to Ukraine before stepping down from office next week, using the trip to reaffirm Britain’s continued backing for the country as it defends itself against Russia’s invasion.
Starmer is due to hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the capital on Thursday, according to the UK government.
The visit comes just days before he leaves Downing Street, with Labour leader-designate Andy Burnham set to succeed him as prime minister on Monday.
Ahead of the meeting, Starmer stressed that Britain’s commitment to Ukraine would remain unchanged despite the change in leadership.
“Our cast-iron support for Ukraine will always endure,” he said in a statement released by his office, signalling that the UK’s assistance would continue beyond his premiership.
Burnham is expected to become leader of the governing Labour Party on Friday before formally taking office after an audience with King Charles III on Monday.
Once in office, he will become Britain’s fifth prime minister since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, highlighting the political changes the UK has experienced during the conflict.
Starmer announced his decision to resign on 22 June after losing the confidence of Labour MPs following a series of domestic policy reversals that weakened his standing within the party.
Although his position at home became increasingly difficult, he has continued to receive recognition internationally for his support of Ukraine and his commitment to NATO.
During his time in office, the outgoing worked closely with French President Emmanuel Macron on proposals for an international peacekeeping force that could help deter future Russian aggression if a negotiated peace settlement is reached.
The visit also follows Britain’s decision earlier this week to join the European Union’s €90 billion (£77.8 billion) financial support package for Ukraine, reinforcing London’s commitment to helping Kyiv maintain its economic stability and defence efforts.
Starmer’s trip to Kyiv is expected to underline the UK’s intention to remain a key partner for Ukraine during the upcoming transition in British leadership, with support for Kyiv continuing to be one of the country’s central foreign policy priorities.
