Starmer arrives in Kyiv ahead of stepping down as prime minister

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has embarked on an unannounced visit to Ukraine just days before leaving office.

Source: the UK government's press service, as reported by European Pravda

Details: An official announcement said that Starmer is travelling to Kyiv on 16 July. He is due to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to "discuss the progress made to date in equipping Ukraine to maintain its fight against Putin's illegal invasion and hold talks on where allies should focus to ensure Ukraine has what it needs".

Starmer also intends to send the message that although he is leaving office, the UK's policy of supporting Ukraine will continue, and that "the partnerships, coalitions and support established over the last two years are designed to endure for years to come".

Quote from Starmer: "When I became prime minister, I knew the UK must not simply stand with Ukraine in the moment, but help build the foundations of its long-term security and success … I am so proud of what Britain has contributed. That work will continue, and our cast-iron support for Ukraine will always endure."

Details: By the time the announcement was published, the prime minister had most likely already arrived in Kyiv.

Background:

• Zelenskyy and Starmer met earlier this week at the Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris.
• Starmer is due to step down next Monday after losing the support of his own Labour Party, handing over to the party's new leader, Andy Burnham.

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