British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Ukraine today with an ambitious pledge to help ensure the country's security for a century, days before Donald Trump takes office as US president, reports the Associated Press, quoted by BTA.
During his visit to Kiev, Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will sign a treaty for a “centennial partnership“. The agreement will cover key areas such as defense, science, energy and trade.
The British Prime Minister's unannounced trip is his first visit to Ukraine since taking office in July last year. Earlier in 2023, Starmer visited Ukraine as opposition leader and subsequently held two talks with Zelensky in London at 10 Downing Street.
The UK, one of Ukraine's leading supporters, has so far provided military and civilian aid worth a total of £12.8 billion since the start of the Russian invasion in 2022.
In addition, the UK has trained over 50,000 Ukrainian soldiers on its territory, with the aim of strengthening the Ukrainian army. During his visit to Kiev, Starmer is expected to announce an additional £40 million for Ukraine's post-war reconstruction.