Sir Keir Starmer flew into Kyiv on his final day as prime minister to announce £255m in fresh military aid – including 16 advanced aircraft – but his visit was overshadowed by a political crisis threatening to destabilise Ukraine’s war effort. The outgoing Labour leader met President Volodymyr Zelensky hours after thousands of protesters took to the streets of Kyiv and other cities, angered by the surprise dismissal of popular defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Crowds chanted “Shame!” and held signs reading “Hands off Fedorov” and “Stop sabotaging victory!” as Zelensky faced a fierce domestic backlash. The 35-year-old Fedorov, appointed only in January, had been credited with energising the ministry, heading a drive against corruption and leading the successful middle-strike campaign that weakened Russia’s hold on Crimea. His sacking has prompted media organisations to pause publication and military leaders to resign in solidarity, according to reports.
“Starmer pledges £255m aid on final Kyiv visit as protests grip Ukraine over sacking of defence minister Fedorov.”
Tensions between Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi appear to have triggered the decision. Fedorov revealed he had suggested replacing Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov. Zelensky acknowledged a “systemic” conflict between the General Staff and the defence ministry, saying he would have to mediate. “Instead of finding a way of defeating Russia asymmetrically – which is the commander-in-chief’s job – he’s found a way of splitting our country,” Fedorov said of Syrskyi. Syrskyi, in a curt Telegram message, said he was “proud” of the 2022 defence of Kyiv and would continue to focus on an “effective strategy”, wishing Fedorov “continued success”.
Zelensky has put forward Maj-Gen Yevhenii Khmara, acting head of the Security Service, as acting defence minister, praising his “extensive and unprecedented experience with technological combat operations”. MPs had been due to vote on interior minister Ihor Klymenko as replacement, but Zelensky said Khmara was only one name under consideration.
Standing alongside Zelensky, Starmer insisted the UK’s resolve was unshakable. “Anyone who thinks that Ukraine is somehow a drain is just plain wrong – the truth is Ukraine’s stand has preserved European security,” he said. “Your fight is our fight, your security is our security, and the UK will not waver.” Awarded the Ukrainian Order of Freedom, Starmer noted that Ukrainian flags still fly above Downing Street, churches and town halls. “The shift in momentum is real and Ukraine is now in its strongest position since the start of Russia’s full-stage invasion,” he added.
When asked if he feared change of leadership in Britain, Zelensky admitted: “Of course I’m afraid of changes, of course we are afraid because we are in the war each day.” But he stressed that relations between nations, not just people, would endure. Andy Burnham is set to take over as Labour leader on Friday and become prime minister on Monday. At Starmer’s final PMQs, there were tears from his closest supporters and jokes about football red cards, but Burnham was absent from the chamber.
The reshuffle in Kyiv continues: Taras Kachka, former deputy PM for European integration, has been named Ukraine’s new ambassador to the EU, swapping roles with Vsevolod Chentsov. The move is part of a wider wartime recasting of senior portfolios. Meanwhile, Zelensky’s decision to sack Fedorov has been described as a “much-needed gift for Putin”, raising fears it could damage the war effort and embolden the Russian president.
