Starmer Visits Kyiv for Final PM Trip, Reaffirming UK’s 100-Year Ukraine Pact
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 16
Starmer Visits Kyiv for Final PM Trip, Reaffirming UK’s 100-Year Ukraine Pact
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 16
Summary
Kyiv hosts Keir Starmer on Thursday for his last trip as prime minister, where he is due to meet Volodymyr Zelensky and restate Britain’s “cast-iron” backing for Ukraine.
The visit doubles as a valedictory defense of his Ukraine policy, with Starmer citing a 100-year UK-Ukraine partnership, peacekeeping planning and stronger British defense investment during his two years in office.
Britain is also starting delivery of the first of 150 British-made artillery barrels under a £61 million BAE Systems contract, adding to support as Zelensky presses allies for more air defenses.
The trip comes as Russia keeps striking Ukraine’s south, including Odesa port infrastructure; separate attacks on Black Sea oil tankers killed eight people.
Starmer leaves office as Andy Burnham prepares to become Labour leader on Friday and is expected to take over as prime minister on Monday, putting continued UK support for Ukraine under a new government.
Can Britain's new premier sustain Ukraine support while navigating a tense alliance with President Trump?
Is Ukraine producing its own Patriot missiles a battlefield game-changer or an impossible industrial feat?
Can Europe's massive rearmament succeed while it remains so dependent on American military might?
A Century of Commitment: The UK-Ukraine 100-Year Agreement and Its Role in Postwar Recovery
Overview
In January 2025, then-Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visited Ukraine and laid the groundwork for a historic 100-year partnership agreement between the UK and Ukraine. This pact, which officially came into force in London on October 15, 2025, was celebrated as a major step in building political trust and a strong strategic partnership. Starmer emphasized the importance of guaranteeing Ukraine’s security, independence, and right to self-determination. The agreement sets up a long-term framework for cooperation across security, defence, economy, science, technology, and cultural ties, with a key focus on fostering technological innovation for the future.