UK Prime Minister’s historic visit aims to deepen ties with Ukraine, boosting security and military collaboration ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will sign a landmark 100-year partnership with Ukraine on January 16, marking his first official visit to the war-torn country. The agreement, which underscores Britain’s unwavering support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia, will be formalized with a political declaration in the coming weeks. Starmer emphasized that the partnership is a response to Russian aggression and a pledge of long-term solidarity.

“Putin’s failure to isolate Ukraine from its allies has brought us closer than ever,” said Starmer. “This deal represents our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and security as they rebuild a prosperous future.”

The agreement, which includes military collaboration on maritime security in the Baltic, Black, and Azov seas, comes as part of broader European diplomatic efforts to bolster Ukraine’s position ahead of peace talks with Russia. With the conflict escalating as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, European leaders are scrambling to shore up support for Ukraine. This flurry of activity includes discussions on potential post-war peacekeeping forces, a topic reportedly on the table during Starmer’s meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

As Russia continues to control parts of Ukraine, including four regions it annexed in 2022, the UK’s new military framework aims to strengthen regional security. Zelenskyy, who has suggested the possibility of temporarily ceding territory to end the war, will discuss the future of negotiations with Starmer, especially in light of Trump’s stance on rapidly ending the conflict. Starmer’s policy has evolved, now focusing on positioning Ukraine for the best possible terms in any peace agreement.

As Starmer and Zelenskyy forge ahead with their diplomatic ties, the two leaders also plan to discuss further UK support, including the potential deployment of British troops to assist in post-war stabilization.

THE GUARDIAN

Keir Starmer has travelled to Kyiv, marking a significant milestone in UK-Ukraine relations as the two nations prepare to sign a partnership deal aimed at deepening their defence and economic ties. This move comes amid growing concerns over the future of US support for Ukraine as Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House.

Starmer met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, pledging further military assistance and exploring the potential for British troops in a post-war peacekeeping role. The partnership focuses on boosting non-military collaboration, particularly in science, technology, and economic recovery, with £40 million allocated to support businesses, green initiatives, and marginalised groups.

With Trump’s expected rapprochement with Putin, Starmer emphasised the UK’s commitment to Ukraine, reinforcing the “100-year partnership” that would foster long-term security and prosperity. He stressed the importance of sustaining military aid and supporting Ukraine’s post-war rebuilding efforts as part of the broader global strategy.

THE TELEGRAPH

Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron are in talks about deploying British and French troops to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping force following a potential peace agreement with Russia. Macron has already raised the proposal with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, while Downing Street sources indicate that discussions are ongoing, but no final decision has been made.

The initiative aims to support Ukraine’s sovereignty in a post-war settlement, especially as Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House with a focus on securing a swift peace deal with Moscow. However, UK officials are cautious about the potential risks and escalatory nature of sending troops to the region.

As tensions rise, European leaders seek ways to continue supporting Ukraine’s recovery and security while navigating a changing global landscape with Trump’s anticipated policy shifts. The deployment remains a delicate issue, with concerns about the safety of troops and the broader geopolitical implications.