UK’s Starmer Visits Ukraine For Security Talks Ahead of Trump’s Inauguration

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Ukraine on Thursday, reaffirming the UK’s long-term commitment to Ukraine’s security just days before Donald Trump is inaugurated as the United States president.

In an unannounced visit, Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are set to sign a historic “100-Year Partnership” treaty in Kyiv. The agreement will cover key areas such as defense, science, energy, and trade, aiming to ensure Ukraine’s long-term stability and security amidst ongoing tensions with Russia.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the UK has been one of Ukraine’s strongest military backers, committing £12.8 billion ($16 billion) in military and civilian aid and training over 50,000 Ukrainian troops. During this visit, Starmer is expected to announce an additional £40 million ($49 million) for Ukraine’s post-war economic recovery.

While the UK remains a key ally, its role has been somewhat overshadowed by the United States, especially with concerns over the future of American support under the incoming Trump administration. Trump has expressed skepticism about the cost of U.S. aid to Ukraine and indicated his desire to bring the war to a swift conclusion, including plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he has previously praised.

With Trump’s inauguration scheduled for January 20, Kyiv’s allies are accelerating their support for Ukraine, aiming to strengthen its position ahead of any potential negotiations. President Zelensky has repeatedly emphasized the need for long-term security assurances to protect Ukraine from further aggression, particularly as the war continues to disrupt the country’s stability and sovereignty.

Starmer described the agreement as a demonstration of the UK’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s security. “Putin’s ambition to wrench Ukraine away from its closest partners has been a monumental strategic failure,” he said. “Instead, we are closer than ever, and this partnership will take that friendship to the next level.”

The agreement will enhance defense cooperation, particularly in maritime security across the Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and the Sea of Azov. It also seeks to strengthen technology partnerships, focusing on advancements in drone warfare, which has become increasingly important in the ongoing conflict. Additionally, the treaty includes measures to track stolen Ukrainian grain that is being exported by Russia from occupied territories, further tightening pressure on Russia’s illegal activities.

“This is not just about the here and now, it is also about an investment in our two countries for the next century,” Starmer added. “Bringing together technology development, scientific advances, and cultural exchanges, this partnership will harness the phenomenal innovation shown by Ukraine in recent years for generations to come.”

During their discussions, Starmer and Zelensky are expected to also address a proposal by French President Emmanuel Macron, suggesting the deployment of French and other Western troops to Ukraine to oversee a potential ceasefire. Zelensky stated that such a proposal should be accompanied by a clear timeline for Ukraine’s NATO membership. Although NATO has assured Ukraine of its eventual membership, the process remains on hold until the war ends. Trump, on the other hand, has shown sympathy for Putin’s stance that Ukraine should remain outside NATO, which has been a point of contention.

As the war nears its third anniversary, both Russia and Ukraine are intensifying military operations in order to gain leverage ahead of any peace negotiations. Ukraine recently launched a second offensive in Russia’s Kursk region, while continuing to carry out drone and missile attacks on Russian military installations.

Meanwhile, Russian forces have continued their advance along the 1,000-kilometer front line in eastern Ukraine, sustaining heavy casualties. Moscow has also escalated its missile strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, hoping to deprive civilians of essential services such as electricity and heating in the brutal winter conditions. On Wednesday, a major Russian missile attack forced Ukrainian authorities to shut down parts of the power grid in several regions, exacerbating the country’s already dire humanitarian situation.

The ongoing escalation highlights the urgency of securing long-term international support for Ukraine as the conflict stretches on.