The prime minister will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv later on Thursday.

Sir Keir Starmer is welcomed by Ukrainian officials at the train station in Kyiv during his final trip to the country as PM Sir Keir Starmer has said the UK's "cast-iron" support for Ukraine will continue, as he makes a final trip to the country as prime minister. He will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the capital Kyiv later on Thursday, ahead of Andy Burnham's installation as Labour leader and PM. In comments ahead of his trip, Sir Keir said the "fortitude" of the Ukrainian people since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022 had "preserved the security of Europe". In his statement, Sir Keir highlighted Britain's contribution to the Ukrainian war effort during his two years in Downing Street. It has seen the signing of a 100-year partnership between the two countries, aimed at fostering closer defence and trade ties, and the PM leading efforts to establish a future peacekeeping force. "When I became prime minister, I knew the UK must not simply stand with Ukraine in the moment, but help build the foundations of its long-term security and success," Sir Keir said. He said the UK had invested more in defence, as well as "leading the way in the war fighting technologies of the future".