Outgoing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to visit Ukraine for what will be his final trip to the country before stepping down from office next week.
Starmer will travel to Kyiv for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reaffirming Britain’s continued support for Ukraine as the country battles Russia’s invasion. The visit comes just days before Starmer formally leaves Downing Street and hands over power to Labour leader-elect Andy Burnham.
According to the UK government, Starmer will use the meeting to reassure President Zelensky that Britain’s commitment to Ukraine will remain unchanged under the incoming administration.
“Our cast-iron support for Ukraine will always endure,” Starmer said in a statement released ahead of the visit, stressing that the UK’s backing for Kyiv would continue despite the change in leadership.
Andy Burnham is expected to officially become leader of the Labour Party on Friday before being appointed prime minister by King Charles III on Monday. He will become Britain’s fifth prime minister since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Starmer announced his resignation on June 22 after losing the confidence of Labour lawmakers following a series of domestic policy reversals that weakened his political support. While his popularity declined at home, he continued to earn respect internationally for his strong backing of Ukraine and his commitment to NATO and European security.
During his time in office, Starmer worked closely with French President Emmanuel Macron to coordinate support for Ukraine. Both leaders have championed plans for a multinational peacekeeping force that could help maintain stability if a future peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia is reached.
The United Kingdom has remained one of Ukraine’s strongest allies since the war began, providing military assistance, humanitarian aid and diplomatic support. Britain has also played a key role in coordinating international efforts to help Kyiv defend its territory and rebuild its economy.
Earlier this week, the UK joined the European Union’s €90 billion support loan package for Ukraine, further demonstrating its commitment to helping the country withstand the ongoing conflict.
Starmer’s visit is expected to reinforce that message of continuity, assuring Ukraine that Britain’s support will not waver after the transition of power. The trip also serves as a final foreign policy engagement for the outgoing prime minister, whose leadership has been closely associated with unwavering support for Ukraine throughout the war.
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