On a night train speeding to Kyiv, Keir Starmer was glued to the screen, watching Argentina end England's World Cup dreams. The outgoing prime minister had chosen Ukraine as his final foreign trip, a vivid symbol of the relationship between the two nations. Standing alongside President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Ukrainian capital, Starmer pledged "unwavering" support, announcing fresh funding worth £255m (€300m) including 16 new advanced aircraft. The visit came amid protests in Ukrainian cities over Zelensky's surprise dismissal of popular Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a 35-year-old credited with heading a drive against corruption. Starmer, who will be replaced as Labour leader by Andy Burnham on Friday and as prime minister on Monday, assured Zelensky that the UK's resolve would remain the same: "We will not waver."
The UK's commitment to Ukraine is not a partisan issue—it is embedded in British policy across governments. The outgoing prime minister highlighted how Ukrainian flags still fly above Downing Street, churches and town halls across the UK, even five years into the conflict. Starmer's legacy includes signing a 100-year partnership between the two countries, aimed at fostering closer defence and trade ties, and leading efforts to establish a future peacekeeping force. He said the UK's support for Ukraine was "in our bones," adding: "Your fight is our fight, your security is our security, and the UK will not waver."
“An explainer on UK support for Ukraine, covering Starmer's final visit, aid pledges, and cross-party commitment.”
The background to this steadfast support lies in Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022. The UK was one of the first European nations to provide military aid, training Ukrainian forces and imposing sanctions on Russia. Since then, successive prime ministers—from Boris Johnson to Rishi Sunak to Starmer—have maintained a consistent line. Starmer's final visit, where he was awarded the Ukrainian honour the Order of Freedom, underscored this continuity. The UK has also played a leading role in NATO's response and in diplomatic efforts to isolate Russia internationally.
For UK readers, the practical impact of this support is measured in both security and economic terms. Starmer framed Ukraine's fight as a defence of European security, saying: "Anyone who thinks that Ukraine is somehow a drain is just plain wrong—the truth is Ukraine's stand has preserved European security." A strong Ukraine prevents a direct threat to NATO allies, reducing the risk of a wider conflict that could involve British troops. Economically, the UK has provided billions in loans and aid, but much of this is tied to British defence contracts, supporting jobs in the UK's arms industry. The 100-year partnership also promises future trade opportunities.
Q: Will the UK's support for Ukraine continue after Keir Starmer leaves office? Yes. Starmer said the incoming prime minister, Andy Burnham, will continue the same policy. "The fact that there'll be a new prime minister in days to come doesn't change that dynamic at all," he stated. The UK's commitment is seen as cross-party and institutional, not dependent on a single leader.
Q: Why did President Zelensky dismiss Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov? Fedorov was removed after a "systemic" conflict with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Fedorov had suggested replacing Syrskyi and the Chief of the General Staff, but Zelensky refused. Fedorov said "all the initiatives we proposed were blocked." The dismissal sparked protests in Ukrainian cities, with signs reading "Hands off Fedorov" and "Stop sabotaging victory!"
Q: What is the 100-year partnership between the UK and Ukraine? Signed by Starmer and Zelensky, it is a long-term agreement to deepen defence and trade ties. It aims to create a formal partnership that outlasts the current war, including joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and economic cooperation.
What happens next: Andy Burnham becomes Labour leader on Friday and prime minister on Monday. Zelensky's nominee for interim defence minister, Maj-Gen Yevhenii Khmara, the acting head of the Security Service (SBU), is expected to take over. Ukrainian MPs are also set to vote on a new prime minister after Yuliia Svyrydenko resigned. The UK's £255m funding package, including 16 advanced aircraft, will be delivered in coming months.
