Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday conferred the Order of Freedom, Ukraine’s highest state honour for a foreign national, on outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his final visit to Kyiv before leaving office.The honour was awarded in recognition of Starmer’s “outstanding personal contribution” to strengthening UK-Ukraine relations and for his support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to a presidential decree.
Zelenskyy and Starmer honour fallen soldiers
Before their bilateral meeting, Zelenskyy and Starmer visited Kyiv’s Wall of Remembrance, where they paid tribute to Ukrainian soldiers killed defending the country against Russia’s invasion.“I thank Keir and the United Kingdom for their unwavering respect for our warriors, for all those who gave the most precious thing for the sake of defending Ukraine and all of Europe,” Zelenskyy said in a post on Telegram.He added that preserving the memory of those who defended Ukraine remained a national priority.At a joint press conference, Zelenskyy praised Britain’s continued support, saying, “Britain has always been, and remains, with Ukraine, and we value this immensely.”
Starmer reiterates UK’s ‘cast-iron support’
During the visit, Starmer reaffirmed Britain’s “cast-iron support” for Ukraine, stressing that the UK’s commitment would continue despite the leadership transition.“Throughout this conflict, I have seen the incredible fortitude of the Ukrainian people and the iron will of a nation that refuses to be cowed. Their stand has not only defended its own freedom, it has preserved the security of Europe,” he said.Starmer said that after becoming prime minister, he made it a priority not only to stand by Ukraine during the war but also to help secure its long-term future.“That work will continue, and our cast-iron support for Ukraine will always endure. Not just for them and for European security, but for families in Britain who have felt the cost of this war through rising prices,” he said.
Fresh military aid announced
The visit comes as Starmer pledged €300 million in fresh support to help fund fighter jets for Ukraine, underscoring Britain’s continued military backing as Kyiv seeks to strengthen its air capabilities.Starmer is expected to step down as UK prime minister in the coming days, with Labour leader-designate Andy Burnham set to take over the party leadership before succeeding him in Downing Street. His Kyiv trip marks his final overseas visit as prime minister.
