British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made a surprise visit to Kyiv on Thursday, promising to solidify a century-long partnership with Ukraine just days before Donald Trump assumes the U.S. presidency. The visit highlights the UK’s commitment to Ukraine amidst mounting uncertainty about future U.S. support, reports AP.
A Historic Partnership Agreement
During his first visit to Ukraine as Prime Minister, Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are set to sign a “100-Year Partnership” treaty. The agreement encompasses defense, science, energy, and trade collaboration. The UK, already a major supporter of Ukraine, has pledged £12.8 billion ($16 billion) in military and civilian aid since Russia’s full-scale invasion three years ago and has trained over 50,000 Ukrainian troops.
Starmer will announce an additional £40 million ($49 million) to aid Ukraine’s postwar economic recovery, reinforcing Britain’s role as a steadfast ally.
Diplomatic Efforts Ahead of Trump’s Inauguration
The visit coincides with a wave of diplomatic activity in Kyiv. Italy’s defense chief and Germany’s defense minister visited earlier in the week, and Zelenskyy recently spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron. These efforts aim to bolster Ukraine’s position before Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
The incoming U.S. president has expressed skepticism about continued American aid to Ukraine, pushing for Europe to shoulder more responsibility. Trump’s openness to negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin has raised concerns among Ukraine’s allies, prompting a surge in support before his administration begins.
Symbolic and Practical Actions
Starmer and Zelenskyy paid tribute to those killed in the war, laying flowers at a remembrance wall outside Kyiv’s St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery. Starmer also visited a hospital specializing in burn treatment for war victims.
While Starmer met Zelenskyy, Kyiv faced another Russian drone attack, with debris damaging a car and a building. Ukraine’s air defenses intercepted the drones, demonstrating the ongoing threats to the capital.
A Partnership Built for the Future
The “100-Year Partnership” treaty aims to ensure Ukraine’s long-term security. It includes joint defense initiatives, such as enhancing maritime security in the Baltic, Black, and Azov Seas, and advancing technology projects like drones. It also introduces systems to track stolen Ukrainian grain exported by Russia from occupied territories.
“Putin’s attempt to isolate Ukraine has failed spectacularly. This partnership cements our commitment to Ukraine’s future,” Starmer said. He emphasized the treaty’s long-term vision, incorporating technological, scientific, and cultural collaborations to benefit both nations for generations.
NATO, Ceasefire Plans, and Peace Talks
Zelenskyy and Starmer discussed a French proposal for deploying Western troops in Ukraine to oversee a potential ceasefire. Zelenskyy insists such a plan must include a timeline for Ukraine’s NATO membership, a goal supported by the alliance’s members but deferred until the war ends.
Trump’s reluctance to support Ukraine’s NATO aspirations aligns with Putin’s stance, adding complexity to future negotiations.
The War’s Current Status
As the war nears its third anniversary, Ukraine and Russia continue to seek battlefield gains. Ukraine has intensified its counteroffensive in Russia’s Kursk region and ramped up attacks on Russian military targets. Meanwhile, Russia is slowly advancing along the eastern front, deploying heavy artillery and targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in a bid to undermine morale during the harsh winter months.
Britain’s enduring commitment, encapsulated in the 100-Year Partnership, aims to strengthen Ukraine’s resilience against Russian aggression and support its path toward a secure and sovereign future.
