Starmer on final trip to Ukraine as PM pledges UK's 'cast-iron' support

Starmer on final trip to Ukraine as PM pledges UK's 'cast-iron' supportImage source, ReutersByAdam GoldsmithPublished4 minutes agoSir Keir Starmer has said the UK's "cast-iron" support for Ukraine will continue, as he makes a final trip to the country as prime minister. He will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the capital Kyiv later on Thursday, ahead of Andy Burnham's installation as Labour leader and PM.In comments ahead of his trip, Sir Keir said the "fortitude" of the Ukrainian people since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022 had "preserved the security of Europe". In his statement, Sir Keir highlighted Britain's contribution to the Ukrainian war effort during his two years in Downing Street. It has seen the signing of a 100-year partnership between the two countries, aimed at fostering closer defence and trade ties, and the PM leading efforts to establish a future peacekeeping force."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," Sir Keir said.He said the UK had invested more in defence, as well as "leading the way in the war fighting technologies of the future". Sir Keir added: "And we have brought others with us on that journey. As we showed at the G7 and Nato summits, in recent weeks, the UK and its allies are absolutely united against Russian aggression."Starmer says it's the 'end of my political journey' at his final Prime Minister's QuestionsPublished3 hours agoZelensky presses Nato for air defence systems after intense Russian strikesPublished7 JulySpeaking at the Nato summit in Turkey last week, Zelensky urged allies to focus on air defence systems in the face of intense Russian strikes.The Ukrainian leader was later granted permission to produce Patriot missiles by US President Donald Trump, which co...