Zelenskyy thanks Starmer UK support on Thursday as Britain’s outgoing prime minister arrived in Kyiv for what he called his last official foreign trip. The visit focused on solidarity and remembrance.
Keir Starmer was greeted at the train station by Ukrainian officials. He travelled to the capital to mark Britain’s backing for Ukraine throughout the war and to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy face to face.
The two leaders began the day at the Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine. They laid wreaths together on Mykhailivs’ka Square while cameras captured the quiet ceremony.
Zelenskyy spoke directly to Starmer and the British public. “I thank Keir and the United Kingdom for their unwavering respect for our warriors, for all those who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend Ukraine and all of Europe,” he said.
He added that remembering the fallen matters for Ukraine’s future. “It is important to always remember the heroism of all our people who stood up for Ukraine. Eternal gratitude to every man and woman who defended Ukraine against Russian aggression,” he said.
Keir Starmer Final Kyiv Visit Underlines UK-Ukraine Bond
Starmer’s visit was framed as a closing chapter of his premiership. Britain has supplied weapons, training and diplomatic support since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
Officials said the trip aimed to reaffirm that commitment before a new UK government takes office. For Starmer, Kyiv represented both a policy legacy and a personal moment with Zelenskyy.
Photographs showed the pair walking side by side past portraits of fallen soldiers. The mood was solemn, with military honours and a brief silence for those killed in the war.
The prime minister did not give a lengthy speech at the wall. His team said he preferred to listen and to show support through presence rather than words during this final visit.
Britain’s support has included long-range missiles, armoured vehicles and financial aid. UK officials estimate billions in assistance has been delivered since 2022, making Britain one of Ukraine’s largest European backers.
Starmer also met senior Ukrainian ministers behind closed doors. Discussions covered winter energy needs, drone production and continued military coordination ahead of expected Russian pressure in the coming months.
Ukraine Defence Minister Protests Complicate Diplomatic Moment
The visit coincided with domestic turmoil in Kyiv. Zelenskyy had just dismissed defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov as part of a wider government reshuffle that also saw Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko step down.
Fedorov’s removal triggered immediate public reaction. More than 1,000 people gathered outside the presidential office with signs reading “Bring back Fedorov” and “Syrskyi out”, referring to army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Protesters described Fedorov as a symbol of transparency and innovation. They argued his work on drones and procurement had saved billions and improved battlefield effectiveness during his six months in office.
In a farewell message, Fedorov listed achievements including disabling Starlink access for Russian troops and cutting drone procurement costs by 30%. He called it a “great honour” to serve Ukraine during wartime.
Fedorov later told reporters he had declined an offer to become Zelenskyy’s advisor. He also confirmed a dispute with Syrskyi, accusing the general’s team of blocking defence ministry initiatives.
The timing put Zelenskyy in a difficult position. Hosting Starmer while facing rare wartime protests created an image of internal division just as international partners arrived in Kyiv.
Some demonstrators said the shake-up was politically motivated. They suggested Fedorov’s popularity made him a potential future rival, and that the president acted to consolidate control ahead of winter.
Security forces kept the protest peaceful. Organizers said this was only the second major demonstration in Kyiv since the invasion began, showing how sensitive military leadership changes have become.
Ukraine EU Integration Support Remains Central To New Government
Amid the unrest, Zelenskyy moved quickly to appoint a new prime minister. Parliament confirmed energy executive Sergii Koretskyi, former CEO of Naftogaz, as head of government.
Koretskyi told lawmakers that defence, economic stability and EU integration were his priorities. He said Ukraine must prepare for winter energy challenges while keeping reform momentum.
Zelenskyy defended the choice publicly. He said Koretskyi was “the most prepared candidate” because of his experience managing Ukraine’s energy sector during repeated Russian attacks on infrastructure.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the appointment. “We look forward to continuing our excellent cooperation with Ukraine,” she said in a statement after meeting Zelenskyy a day earlier.
She added: “You can count on our full support as you advance your ambitious reform agenda. Notably in the areas of the rule of law, energy and other key sectors of the economy.”
Von der Leyen did not mention the defence minister protests. Her focus remained on Ukraine’s path toward EU membership and the need for continued reforms despite wartime pressures.
Ukraine’s government says EU integration is both a security and economic goal. Officials argue that aligning laws and institutions with Brussels strengthens resilience against Russian influence.
Koretskyi faces immediate tests. Energy grids remain vulnerable, budgets are stretched, and public patience with corruption is low. He must balance reform with wartime management.
International partners are watching closely. The EU, US and UK have tied future aid to transparency and anti-corruption measures, making the new cabinet’s performance critical.
Back in London, Starmer’s team described the Kyiv trip as closing a circle. They said Britain would continue supporting Ukraine regardless of leadership changes in either capital.
The prime minister is expected to leave office within days. His final message from Kyiv emphasized continuity rather than new policy, aiming to lock in British commitment.
Zelenskyy used the moment to thank allies again. He praised Britain for standing with Ukraine when others hesitated, and for maintaining support through changing governments.
The Kremlin responded separately, saying it saw no prospect for peace talks. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters Russia remained open but noted no current signs of negotiation from Kyiv.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military reported striking Russian tankers in the Black Sea overnight. The General Staff said the vessels were used to move oil in violation of sanctions and to supply Russian forces.
That operation underscored Kyiv’s strategy of targeting Russian logistics far from the front. It also showed Ukraine’s willingness to keep pressure on Moscow while seeking diplomatic backing in Europe.
As evening approached, officials said Starmer and Zelenskyy would hold a press conference. Both sides wanted to project unity despite the protests unfolding a few streets away.
For Ukrainians, the day captured two realities. International support remains strong, but domestic politics are increasingly contested as the war enters its fourth year.
Zelenskyy thanked Starmer UK support one last time before the British delegation departed. The words were brief, but they carried the weight of a partnership built under fire.The visit ends a chapter for Starmer and opens questions for Ukraine. With a new prime minister, protests in the streets, and winter ahead, Kyiv must balance gratitude with difficult decisions at home.
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The visit ends a chapter for Starmer and opens questions for Ukraine. With a new prime minister, protests in the streets, and winter ahead, Kyiv must balance gratitude with difficult decisions at home.
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