War in Ukraine: British Prime Minister Starmer arrives in Kiev for a visit

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made a surprise visit to the Ukrainian capital Kiev. It is the Labor politician’s first trip to Ukraine since taking office in the summer. Starmer arrived in Kiev by train in the morning.

According to the British government, Starmer wants to form a “100-year partnership” with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the areas of security, science, energy and trade. London will also provide 40 million pounds (around 47.4 million euros) in economic aid for the country.

Great Britain has promised Ukraine the equivalent of more than 15 billion euros in military and civilian support since the war of aggression began in February 2022. In addition, around 50,000 Ukrainian soldiers were trained on British soil.

Cooperation on maritime surveillance and drones

It is probably no coincidence that Starmer’s visit comes shortly before the inauguration of the new US President Donald Trump on January 20th, whose willingness to support Ukraine is considered questionable. Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) also recently visited Kiev. The partnership agreement provides for cooperation on, among other things, maritime security against Russian activities in the Black Sea and technological projects such as drones. In addition, a system is to be developed to track grain exported by Russia from occupied Ukrainian territories.

“The power of our long-standing friendships cannot be underestimated,” Starmer said in a statement. Support for Ukraine is an essential part of his government’s security concept.