British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made an unexpected visit to Kyiv on Thursday, just days before Donald Trump’s inauguration as U.S. president, to solidify a groundbreaking “100-Year Partnership” with Ukraine.
The treaty, aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s long-term security and prosperity, covers defense, science, energy, and trade.
The visit marks Starmer’s first trip to Ukraine since assuming office in July 2024. He had previously visited Kyiv as the opposition leader in 2023 and has held discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy twice in London since becoming prime minister. The visit comes as the war in Ukraine approaches its third anniversary.
This high-profile meeting follows a week of intense diplomatic activities, including visits from Italy’s defense chief and Germany’s defense minister to Kyiv, as well as a phone call between Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron.
These efforts underscore the urgency felt by Ukraine’s allies to strengthen support for the country ahead of a potential policy shift from the incoming U.S. administration.
Trump’s approach is anticipated to diverge from the current U.S. stance, which has been steadfast in supporting Ukraine “for as long as it takes” to repel Russian aggression.
Trump has signaled a desire for Europe to take on more responsibility in aiding Ukraine and has expressed interest in engaging with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he has long admired.
On a cold and overcast morning, Starmer was greeted at Kyiv’s railway station by Martin Harris, the UK’s ambassador to Ukraine, and Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine’s envoy to London. Starmer, reiterating the UK’s commitment, said, “We’re a long way into this conflict. We mustn’t let up.”
A Historic Pact for Long-Term Security
The UK has been one of Ukraine’s most significant military supporters, pledging £12.8 billion ($16 billion) in military and civilian aid since the Russian invasion began three years ago.
This support includes the training of over 50,000 Ukrainian soldiers on British soil. During his visit, Starmer announced an additional £40 million ($49 million) for Ukraine’s post-war economic recovery.
However, the UK’s contributions are overshadowed by those of the United States. With Trump’s inauguration set for January 20, there is widespread uncertainty about the future of American support for Ukraine. Trump has been vocal about his reservations concerning the cost of U.S. aid to Kyiv and has expressed intentions to conclude the war swiftly.
The “100-Year Partnership” treaty represents a commitment to long-term cooperation between the UK and Ukraine, focusing on areas crucial to Ukraine’s resilience and growth. It includes provisions for defense collaboration, particularly in maritime security against Russian actions in the Baltic, Black, and Azov seas. The treaty also outlines joint technological projects, such as the development of drones, which have become essential in the ongoing conflict.
“Putin’s ambition to wrench Ukraine away from its closest partners has been a monumental strategic failure. Instead, we are closer than ever, and this partnership will take that friendship to the next level.”
Keir Starmer
Starmer framed the agreement as more than a response to the current crisis, describing it as an investment in the future of both nations. He remarked, “This is not just about the here and now, it is also about an investment in our two countries for the next century, bringing together technology development, scientific advances, and cultural exchanges.”
The treaty includes a system to trace stolen Ukrainian grain exported from occupied territories, a significant concern amid the war’s disruptions to agriculture and trade.
Zelenskyy, who has been seeking assurances for Ukraine’s protection against future threats from Russia, has welcomed the UK’s century-long pledge. He has also been discussing a proposal with Macron to station troops from France and other Western nations in Ukraine to monitor a potential ceasefire agreement.
Zelenskyy insists that any ceasefire must be coupled with a timeline for Ukraine’s NATO membership, a prospect that Trump has previously opposed, aligning with Putin’s stance against NATO’s expansion.
As the war drags on, both sides are striving for territorial gains to strengthen their positions in any forthcoming negotiations. Ukraine has launched an offensive in Russia’s Kursk region and intensified drone and missile strikes on Russian military sites.
Meanwhile, Russia continues its gradual advances in eastern Ukraine, exacting heavy casualties in the process, and targets Ukraine’s energy infrastructure to disrupt daily life during the harsh winter months.
With Trump’s inauguration imminent, the actions of Ukraine’s allies in bolstering the country’s defenses and economy are seen as critical in preparing for potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy under the new administration.
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