British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Kyiv marks a week of intensified diplomatic efforts by NATO allies seeking to demonstrate their commitment to Ukraine amid uncertainty surrounding the incoming US administration. The two countries have signed a “100-year partnership” agreement, which adds maritime security, social integration, and a program to track stolen grain, but falls short of providing the robust security guarantees Ukraine seeks.
Ukraine faces significant challenges as Russia gained over 4,000 square kilometers of territory in 2024, with the Trump administration pushing for a diplomatic solution that may involve Ukraine accepting these losses. The UK has already provided substantial military support to Ukraine, and Starmer promised to work with allies on “steps that would be robust enough to guarantee Ukraine’s security.”
Starmer’s visit coincided with other NATO allies showing their support for Ukraine. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk accelerated Ukraine’s path to EU membership, while German Defense Minister visited Kyiv, promising a new artillery system. French President Emmanuel Macron also proposed deploying European troops as a deterrent against Russian aggression.
Despite the diplomatic efforts, discussions around security guarantees and the transfer of power in the US dominated talks between Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Both leaders acknowledged that Ukraine relies heavily on US support, with Zelensky stating that security guarantees for Ukraine cannot be considered without US involvement.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/16/world/british-pm-diplomacy-ukraine-allies-analysis-intl/index.html