British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Ukraine on Thursday to formalize a landmark security and trade agreement with Kyiv, signaling unwavering support for President Volodymyr
Zelenskiy amidst uncertainties surrounding the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House.
Starmer's visit follows closely on the heels of German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius's trip to Ukraine, as European leaders deliberate over the security assurances they can provide in the face of potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy.
Trump’s potential re-election has raised concerns that a proposed resolution to Moscow's invasion could compel Ukraine to relinquish significant portions of its territory to Russia.
During his first visit to Ukraine since assuming office in July, Starmer is set to sign a 100-year partnership agreement aimed at strengthening security and cultural cooperation.
The treaty, which will be reviewed by the UK Parliament in the coming weeks, seeks to bolster military collaboration to ensure security in key regions, including the Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and Sea of Azov, while deterring further Russian aggression.
The agreement also encompasses partnerships in energy, critical minerals, and green steel production, according to a statement from Starmer's office.
“President Putin’s attempts to isolate Ukraine from its allies have been an unequivocal strategic failure,” Starmer declared. “This partnership solidifies our friendship and elevates it to new heights.”
The UK has been a staunch ally of Ukraine, contributing £12.8 billion ($16 billion) since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. This assistance includes military aid, humanitarian relief, and support for Ukraine's energy infrastructure. However, this figure pales in comparison to the $63.5 billion provided by the United States, underscoring the significant impact of U.S. policies on Ukraine's defense efforts.
While Trump has expressed optimism about resolving the conflict swiftly, his advisors now acknowledge that any meaningful resolution could take months or even longer to achieve.
The newly announced partnership includes £40 million dedicated to Ukraine’s economic recovery. It also features enhanced support for grain verification systems and collaborative opportunities with Ukraine’s burgeoning technology sector, which has developed advanced, battle-ready equipment. Photo by Francisco Anzola, Wikimedia commons.