Outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has told President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that he believes Ukraine will win its war against Russia, using his final visit to Kyiv while in office to promise that Britain’s military and political support will continue after his departure from Downing Street.
Final visit carries symbolic weight
Starmer met Zelenskyy in the Ukrainian capital on Thursday during his fourth visit to the country since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. He had also travelled to Ukraine before the war began.
The visit came during Starmer’s final week as prime minister and was intended to reassure Kyiv that the approaching change of leadership in Britain would not weaken the relationship between the two countries.
Starmer said the transition to his successor, Andy Burnham, would not alter Britain’s commitment. He described the connection between Ukrainian security, British security and the wider Euro-Atlantic region as inseparable.
“The UK’s support for Ukraine will not waver,” Starmer said, presenting the commitment as a long-term national policy rather than one dependent on an individual government leader.
Confidence in Ukraine’s military
Starmer praised Ukraine’s armed forces for adapting to a modern conflict against a larger opponent. He described them as potentially the most effective fighting force in Europe and said their performance demonstrated that military strength depended on more than the size of an army.
“I believe Ukraine will win this war,” he said.
The remarks came only hours after Russian strikes reportedly killed two people and injured six others, including a teenager. Continued missile and drone attacks have placed renewed pressure on Ukraine’s air defences and civilian infrastructure.
Britain backs Gripen fighter programme
During the visit, Starmer announced a €300 million commitment to help finance 16 Swedish-built Gripen fighter aircraft for Ukraine. Britain will work with Sweden to support the delivery and operation of the squadron.
The aircraft are intended to strengthen Ukraine’s capacity to defend its airspace and challenge Russian aviation. The package represents one of Starmer’s final major foreign-policy commitments before leaving office.
Britain is also expected to maintain approximately £3 billion in annual military and financial assistance to Ukraine. Under Starmer, London helped establish the Coalition of the Willing, bringing together countries prepared to support Kyiv’s defence and contribute to future security arrangements.
Zelenskyy honours departing ally
Zelenskyy presented Starmer with Ukraine’s Order of Freedom, the country’s highest distinction for a foreign citizen. Starmer said the award was unexpected and deeply meaningful, adding that it had been a privilege to stand alongside Ukraine during the past two years.
The meeting nevertheless took place during a politically sensitive period in Kyiv. Zelenskyy’s dismissal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has prompted protests and questions about Ukraine’s military leadership despite recent battlefield progress.
Starmer’s farewell visit was therefore designed to provide continuity amid political changes in both countries. His central message was that Britain’s support extends beyond his own premiership and that London will continue helping Ukraine pursue a lasting peace from a position of military strength.
Newshub Editorial in Europe – 17 July 2026
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