Prime Minister Begins Final Foreign Visit Amid Kyiv Missile Strikes
UK leader's last overseas trip coincides with renewed Russian attacks on Ukrainian capital and a significant shift in domestic Labour leadership.
Callum Smith
The Prime Minister embarks on his final foreign visit in office, just hours after Russian missiles struck the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.
Russian missiles struck at least two districts in Kyiv early on Thursday, damaging a school and two warehouses near the west of the city, Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed.
These strikes in the Ukrainian capital killed two people and injured six, following eight deaths in recent attacks on Odesa and Sumy.
The Russian Defence Ministry claimed the assault specifically targeted military manufacturing facilities in Kyiv that produce long-range missiles and drones.
Sir Keir Starmer and President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed the increase in attacks on Kyiv in recent weeks constituted a despicable act.
The UK continues its robust support for Ukraine, providing 150 British-made artillery barrels under a £61 million contract with BAE Systems.
This package allows Kyiv to field 16 Gripen E fighter jets by 2029, supporting approximately 5,000 jobs in the UK across the Gripen supply chain.
The Gripen aircraft performs air-to-air combat, ground strikes, and reconnaissance missions, significantly enhancing Ukraine's defensive capabilities.
Starmer, embarking on his last foreign visit as Prime Minister, asserted the prime ministerial transition would not change the UK-Ukraine dynamic.
The resolve of the United Kingdom remains the same and will not waver.
He confirmed, 'The resolve of the United Kingdom remains the same and will not waver,' adding that the Ukrainian flag still flies above Downing Street.
Starmer stated Ukraine was the 'defining cause of our time' and affirmed the UK would remain steadfast under his successor Andy Burnham.
He declared, 'The tide is turning, has turned, and Ukraine will go on and win this war.'
A 100-year partnership between the UK and Ukraine has been signed during Sir Keir Starmer's premiership, solidifying long-term cooperation.
This long-term commitment aligns with historical British engagement in European security, echoing alliances forged during pivotal moments like the Cold War.
The economic impact of such contracts extends directly to British defense manufacturers, securing jobs and driving innovation within the sector.
Stakeholders across the political spectrum in the UK largely support these defense contracts, citing national security interests and international obligations as primary drivers.
President Zelensky dismissed Ukraine's defence minister on the eve of Starmer's visit, a move preceding the discussions.
Yulia Svyrydenko also left the post of Prime Minister, adding to the leadership changes within Ukraine.
Zelensky stated, 'The priority is the relation between nations, not just between just people. I'm sure that these relations will not change.'
I hope we will never lose strong relations with the UK during or after the war.
He also stated, 'I hope we will never lose strong relations with the UK during or after the war.'
Andy Burnham will succeed Sir Keir as Labour leader on Friday and will enter Downing Street as Prime Minister on Monday.
Zelensky expressed his desire to build new strong relations with the next prime minister and called for a meeting as soon as possible.