Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has arrived in Kyiv to sign a historic 100-year partnership agreement with Ukraine, formalizing the UK’s ongoing economic and military assistance and pledging additional support. Downing Street confirmed the deal, emphasizing its significance for both nations’ futures.

This visit marks Sir Keir’s first trip to Ukraine since taking office last summer. It comes just days ahead of Donald Trump’s expected return to the White House, a development that has raised concerns in Kyiv about potential pressure from a new US administration to negotiate peace with Russia.

While other world leaders have made quick visits to Kyiv, Sir Keir took a measured approach, using his first six months in office to strategize. Now in Ukraine, he aims to underscore the UK’s steadfast commitment to countering what he described as Russia’s “illegal and barbaric invasion.”

Upon arrival, Sir Keir was greeted at Kyiv’s railway station by Martin Harris, the UK’s Ambassador to Ukraine, and Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine’s Ambassador to the UK. Speaking during the trip, he emphasized that the partnership represents more than immediate aid, describing it as a long-term investment for the next century.

He also criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s failed attempts to isolate Ukraine, highlighting the deepened relationship between the UK and Ukraine. “Our bond is stronger than ever,” he remarked.

The newly announced agreement includes additional military and economic aid, with a focus on maritime security, drone technology, and healthcare collaboration. It also outlines enhanced security guarantees, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is eager to secure.

Ukraine seeks NATO membership as a critical deterrence against future aggression and has proposed deploying peacekeepers to establish a buffer zone at the current frontline if hostilities cease.

Sir Keir’s visit follows remarks by Marco Rubio, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State, who suggested that both Ukraine and Russia would need to make compromises to resolve the ongoing conflict.

With this landmark partnership, Sir Keir aims to reaffirm the UK’s role as a key ally of Ukraine, sending a clear message of solidarity amid the uncertainties of shifting global politics.