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UK will ‘never let up’ on Ukraine support — Starmer

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Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, during his first visit to Kyiv, has promised to position Ukraine strongly for the future, ensuring unwavering UK support for the country.

He signed a historic 100-year partnership agreement with Ukraine, described by Downing Street as a “landmark” pact, which solidifies the longstanding relationship between the two nations.

“Today is a truly historic day, our relationship is closer than ever,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after the signing. The agreement formalises both economic and military aid that the UK had already pledged to Ukraine.

Zelensky has long sought strong security guarantees from key allies, concerned that a new US administration under Donald Trump may push Ukraine to negotiate peace with Russia.

While many prime ministers rushed to Kyiv, Starmer took his time and chose to visit after six months in office, pledging long-term support for Ukraine’s resistance against Russia’s “illegal and barbaric invasion.”

In Kyiv, Starmer and Zelensky were seen walking behind an honour guard carrying wreaths in the national colours of both the UK and Ukraine. The wreaths were placed outside St Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery, a monument to those who have died, now a pilgrimage site for families to honour the fallen.

As the leaders met for talks inside Kyiv’s Mariinsky Palace, the sounds of explosions and air raid sirens echoed through the city.

“We are with you not just today, for this year or the next – but for 100 years – long after this terrible war is over and Ukraine is free and thriving once again,” Starmer told President Zelensky.

In response to a question about Russia’s actions, Zelensky humorously said that Ukraine would send its own “hello back.”

The Prime Minister also visited an apartment building recently destroyed by a New Year’s Day drone attack, which killed a couple of prominent scientists.

The building, located near the President’s office, is a stark reminder that no place in Kyiv is safe. “They were sending us a message,” said Kyiv’s military administration chief, “No one is safe.”

Additionally, Starmer visited a hospital specializing in treating burns, where he met wounded Ukrainians in a rehabilitation ward supported by the British Red Cross. He toured the intensive care unit and spoke with an injured civilian who warned, “If Ukraine falls, so does Europe.”

Reflecting on his visit, he remarked, “One of the consequences of this conflict has been to draw Nato more strongly together.” He emphasized the UK’s support, noting that it has never been “bigger and stronger” and reaffirmed that the UK would continue backing Ukraine for as long as necessary, adding, “We must never let up on that and we’ve been leading the way.”

Earlier this week, Marco Rubio, Trump’s nominee for secretary of state, suggested that both Ukraine and Russia would need to make concessions for peace to be reached.

The latest UK announcement includes increased economic aid, healthcare support, and expanded military cooperation on maritime security and drone technology. Zelensky has specifically sought help from the UK to secure guarantees that would deter future Russian attacks. 

Additionally, Ukraine seeks to join NATO and has asked its allies to send peacekeepers to patrol the frontline if fighting ceases, creating a buffer zone under any potential peace agreement.

The UK’s new pledges build on the £12.8bn of support already provided, with an additional commitment to supply Ukraine with £3bn in military aid annually “for as long as it takes.”

Despite Ukraine’s efforts, Russian forces have gained ground in the east, cutting off vital supply routes, including a key highway and railway southwest of Pokrovsk, a major strategic location. 

Intense fighting continues in Toretsk and Chasiv Yar, where Ukraine is losing territory. As the war enters its third year, the number of casualties and wounded is estimated at one million.

The UK has continued to supply Storm Shadow missiles, which allow Ukraine to strike Russian military facilities deep within Russian territory. These attacks have been met with approval from Kyiv and condemnation from Moscow.

The 100-year partnership treaty and political declaration will be presented to Parliament soon. Although this is Starmer’s first visit as Prime Minister, he had previously visited Ukraine as the leader of the opposition in 2023 and has hosted President Zelensky at Downing Street twice since taking office.

(BBC)

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