British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to work with Ukraine and its allies to offer robust security guarantees if a ceasefire is negotiated with Russia. This comes days before Donald Trump’s inauguration as US President, sparking concerns that a bid to end Moscow’s war could force Ukraine to cede large parts of the country to Russia.
Starmer visited Ukraine for his first time since becoming prime minister in July last year, promising to find robust security guarantees for the nation. He met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and signed a 100-year partnership deal worth £40 million, which includes assistance in education, technology, and other areas.
The pact also covers areas such as energy, critical minerals, and green steel production. Starmer said the partnership will strengthen security in the Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and Sea of Azov and deter Russian aggression. The British government has provided over $16 billion in support to Ukraine since 2022, underscoring the importance of Trump’s actions over Ukraine.
Zelenskiy expressed frustration at opposition to Ukraine’s bid to become a member of the U.S.-led military NATO alliance. Starmer urged Ukraine and the West not to lose focus on ensuring Ukraine is in the strongest possible position to fight Russia in 2025.
The visit comes as European leaders weigh what security guarantees they can provide as part of any peace agreement that may be pushed by Trump’s return to power.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/uk-pm-starmer-travel-ukraine-sign-new-treaty-2025-01-16