UK PM Keir Starmer Makes Unannounced Visit to Kyiv to Sign Historic 100-Year Partnership with Ukraine

Jan 16, 2025, 07:10 AM

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The two leaders are set to sign a historic '100-Year Partnership' agreement aimed at deepening defense relations and strengthening economic ties between the United Kingdom and Ukraine. The landmark deal, which covers areas such as defense, science, energy, and trade, is intended to guarantee Ukraine's security for the next century. Starmer's visit comes just days before Donald Trump is sworn in as U.S. president, amid concerns about potential changes in U.S. support for Ukraine. The Prime Minister emphasized that 'Putin’s ambition to wrench Ukraine away from its closest partners has been a monumental strategic failure. Instead, we are closer than ever.' The agreement is expected to be laid in the British Parliament in the coming weeks. Discussions may also include security issues, including the deployment of peacekeepers.