SIR Keir Starmer says there are “unbreakable bonds” between the UK and Ukraine — as they sign a 100-year deal today.
The pact comes ahead of potential peace talks between Kyiv and Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on January 15[/caption]
A serviceman fires a 2s5 “Hyacinth-s” self-propelled howitzer towards Russian troops at a front line[/caption]
US President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to get the two sides around the table “very quickly” once he is back in the Oval Office.
His incoming team have warned it is not “realistic to say we’re going to expel every Russian from every inch of Ukrainian soil”.
But President Volodymyr Zelensky is seeking security guarantees such as Nato membership before agreeing to enter negotiations.
The Kremlin says it is open to a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Trump.
The PM, making his first trip to Kyiv since entering No 10, will today likely face questions over whether British troops will be involved in policing any peace deal.
But his main focus will be revealing the 100 Year Partnership to rebuild Ukraine with the aid of British firms and private sector loans.
The UK is “preferred partner” for the Kyiv government to rebuild its crippled energy system as well as mining critical minerals and producing greener steel.
The deal will also see coordination in policing the Baltic Sea, the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea from Russia, as well as developing drone and space tech together.
The UK has so far provided £12.8billion in support to Ukraine, including £7.8billion of military assistance.
Zelensky has previously told how he wants to join Nato and have allies send peacekeepers to the country if fighting stops to patrol the current frontline, which could become a buffer zone.
The war-time leader said he will discuss his hopes for security guarantees to deter future attacks with Sir Keir.
Sir Keir said: “Putin’s ambition to wrench Ukraine away from its closest partners has been a monumental strategic failure.
“Instead, we are closer than ever, and this partnership will take that friendship to the next level.”
It is the PM’s first visit to Ukraine since he took office six months ago as he pledges long-term support against Russia’s “illegal and barbaric invasion”.
His trip includes meeting schoolkids and visiting specialist NHS burn doctors who are training their Ukrainian counterparts.
It comes after The Sun revealed how Brits want Starmer to stand by Ukraine even if Trump waters down US support.
A poll showed Brits want to see Putin’s Russia beaten and do not want the UK to back a peace deal that is bad for Zelensky’s nation.
It comes amid fears that president-elect Trump will pull American military aid to Ukraine.
He wants to end the Ukraine war “within a day” but this could mean pressuring Zelensky to give up territory.
Marco Rubio, Trump’s choice to become secretary of state, this week said both countries would have to make concessions to end the war.
Putin’s invasion is on the cusp of reaching the grim three-year milestone.
Sir Keir Starmer signs a 100-year deal today with Ukraine, as he makes his first trip to Kyiv since entering No 10[/caption]
The Kremlin says it is open to a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Trump[/caption]
Biggest ever hit on Vlad
By Nick Parker
RUSSIA launched a furious blackout blitz yesterday in response to Ukraine’s biggest-ever strike on its territory.
Six Ukraine regions were rocked by blasts and power outages.
It came after British Storm Shadow missiles and US Atacms hit deep inside Russia.
Tuesday’s unprecedented Ukrainian attack on its neighbour targeted oil, chemical and ammunition plants.
Vladimir Putin’s forces hit back, firing cruise missiles at critical infrastructure.
Both sides were believed to be stepping up attacks ahead of expected US peace moves when President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Monday.
