To publicly support President Volodymyr Zelensky before Donald Trump takes office again in the US, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer traveled to Ukraine on Thursday to sign a trade and security agreement with Kyiv.
Starmer’s visit follows German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius’s visit two days ago. European leaders are considering what security assurances they may offer as part of any potential peace deal that Trump may push.
Concerns have been raised by Trump’s return to the White House that a move to stop Moscow’s invasion may compel Ukraine to give up significant portions of the nation to Russia for the foreseeable future.
Starmer was scheduled to form a 100-year partnership with Kyiv to strengthen security and cultural connections during his first trip to Ukraine since taking office as prime minister in July.
In the upcoming weeks, the British parliament will review the treaty and political declaration, which aims to discourage Russian aggression and increase military cooperation to bolster security in the Black Sea, Sea of Azov, and Baltic Sea.
According to Starmer’s office, the treaty would also address topics including green steel manufacturing, energy, and essential minerals.
Putin’s attempt to distance Ukraine from its closest allies has proven to be a disastrous geopolitical move. Rather, we have never been closer, and this collaboration will strengthen our bond even further,” Starmer stated.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Britain has been one of the most ardent supporters of the country, giving 12.8 billion pounds ($16 billion) to help humanitarian, military support, and energy infrastructure.
The significance of Trump’s actions toward Ukraine is highlighted by the fact that that amount is far less than the $63.5 billion Washington has provided in security support since Russia’s invasion.
Trump’s advisers have now acknowledged that any deal could take months or more to accomplish, despite Trump’s earlier statements that he anticipated the disagreement to be resolved swiftly.
Additional assistance with grain verification and commerce with Ukraine’s booming technology industry, which has produced battle-ready weapons, is part of the 40 million pound cooperation announced Thursday for Ukraine’s economic recovery.
