Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed gratitude to new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for reaffirming the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine in its war against Russia.
In a statement, Starmer’s office confirmed that the new prime minister had assured Zelensky that the UK’s commitment to Ukraine would remain unchanged. “The prime minister began by setting out that it was important to him to reiterate the UK’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine on his first day in office,” the statement said. “He added that the change of government in the UK would make no difference to the UK’s support for Ukraine, and that the UK would continue supplying the defensive support Ukraine needed in the face of Russian aggression.”
Zelensky, writing on Telegram, expressed his appreciation for Starmer’s assurances. “I am grateful to Keir Starmer for his assurances that Britain’s support for Ukraine will remain unchanged in principle,” Zelensky wrote.
The two leaders also discussed the upcoming NATO summit, scheduled for next week. Ukraine hopes to gain further clarity on its path towards membership in the alliance. Zelensky confirmed that he and Starmer had “coordinated our positions” ahead of the summit.
A senior U.S. official has indicated that NATO allies will unveil a “bridge to membership” plan for Ukraine at the summit, along with steps to enhance Kyiv’s air defenses.
The Downing Street spokesperson said Starmer and Zelensky discussed both the NATO summit and the European Political Community Summit later this month. Starmer expressed hope to meet with Zelensky soon.
Zelensky, in a social media post, emphasized the strong alliance between Ukraine and the UK. “Ukraine and the United Kingdom have been and will continue to be reliable allies through thick and thin. We will continue to defend and advance our common values of life, freedom, and a rules-based international order,” Zelensky wrote.
He also expressed gratitude to outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for his unwavering support during his time in office.