UK support for Ukraine remains unwavering as Sir Keir Starmer travels to Kyiv for his final visit as Labour leader, meeting President Volodymyr Zelensky and reaffirming resolve amid the war.

The UK has secured a substantial Ukraine Support Loan package worth about 78 billion pounds, accelerating defence procurement for British firms and deepening European defence collaboration.

Starmer frames a century-long UK-Ukraine partnership aimed at closer defence and trade ties, and discusses plans for a future peacekeeping force.

Tensions persist as eight people were killed in Russian attacks on Black Sea oil tankers, underscoring ongoing wartime strain.

Kyiv has faced renewed Russian attacks involving ballistic missiles and drones, with fires and structural damage reported as the city endures ongoing security challenges.

During the visit, Kyiv authorities documented damage to warehouses and a school from recent strikes, highlighting civilian vulnerabilities amid the conflict.

UK efforts include building a domestic drone industry, expanding tech and IP sharing with Ukraine, and imposing sanctions on over 1,400 Russian entities, targeting major oil majors to pressure Russia’s economy.

The Gripen programme is set to modernize Ukraine’s air force, with Saab UK and Leonardo UK among the beneficiaries to bolster air defense.

A new initiative proposes a shared European ballistic missile defense program, drawing lessons from Ukraine’s four-year conflict.

Starmer and Zelensky denounce recent Russian attacks on Kyiv, stressing civilian protection amid the ongoing war.

Starmer highlights achievements since July 2024, including a 3 billion-pound annual military commitment and leadership in a 34-nation Coalition of the Willing for Ukraine.

The UK pledges 300 million euros to deploy 16 Swedish Gripen jets to Ukraine by 2029, supporting about 5,000 UK jobs across more than 50 companies.