The British Prime Minister, assured this Thursday in kyiv that the United Kingdom will continue to support Ukraine long after its “terrible war” with Russia has ended and that country will be “free” again.
The Labor leader gave a joint press conference with the president of Ukraine, after having traveled to the Ukrainian capital to sign that will guarantee the long-term security of that countryat war with Russia since 2022.
“We are with you not just today or tomorrownot during this year or next, but for a hundred years, long after this terrible war ends and Ukraine be free and prosper again“Starmer said in his meeting with the media.
“Let’s be clear, we all want this war to endNo one wants it more than the Ukrainians, but right now, (Russian President Vladimir) Putin shows no signs of wanting peace“he added.
The prime minister alluded to the Russian bombing carried out yesterday in the capital which, according to him, “was a reminder of the daily attacks (which they suffer at the hands of Russia) and the determination of Ukrainians in the face of them“.
“Let’s be clear, we all want this war to end, no one wants it more than the Ukrainians, but right now, Putin shows no signs of wanting peace”
Starmer, whose visit had not been previously announced, revealed that his country will provide more military support “than ever before” to Ukrainewhich will include artillery barrels made in the UK.
The 100-year partnership between the UK and Ukraine is important because guarantees kyiv’s security against one of its closest NATO allies for decades to comewhich will facilitate peace negotiations with Russia. Furthermore, the signing of the agreement occurs a few days before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. Concerns have been raised about continued US support for Ukraine, as Trump has previously said he wants to end the war with Russia quickly.
“We have already committed £3bn (3.5 billion euros) in military aid this year and we are going further to support the front line, providing a loan of another £2.2bn (2.6 billion euros) that will be returned not by Ukraine, but by interest derived from frozen Russian assets,” he announced. The new treaty will strengthen relations between both countries in terms of defense, health, science, economy and other matters..
Starmer revealed that his Government will provide a new air defense system to Ukrainedesigned by the United Kingdom and financed by Denmark, developed to “meet the needs of Ukraine” and which will continue to train Ukrainian troops on British soil.
Talks?
The role that the United States plays in the war is “vital,” Starmer also observed in his appearance, which paid tribute to the administration of the outgoing president of that country, Joe Bidenfor having helped kyiv troops confront Russian aggression throughout the conflict. He also reiterated that it is crucial for Ukraine to place itself in the “strongest possible position” in 2025 and assured that London will play a “leading” role when it comes to guaranteeing the security of that country, although he did not reveal details in this regard.
For his part, Zelensky said that both leaders had addressed the proposal supported by France that Western mediators supervise an eventual future ceasefirealthough he admitted that “it is a little early to talk about details.” In this sense, Starmer considered that these conversations “will continue for many months” and that a “lasting peace” for Ukraine must guarantee Ukrainian security and independence and that country’s rights to “choose its own future.”
The United Kingdom has been one of Ukraine’s main allies, along with the United States and Germany, since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, not only providing it military and financial aidbut also funds for the humanitarian aid and reconstructionsupporting energy needs and welcoming more than 200,000 Ukrainian refugees in the country. The UK has also imposed numerous sanctions on Russia and provided funding for war crimes investigations in kyiv.
