Key information
- Keir Starmer traveled to kyiv on an unannounced trip to boost support for Ukraine amid the conflict.
- A major deal has been signed establishing a “100-year partnership” between the UK and Ukraine, strengthening security ties.
- Starmer highlighted that Putin’s attempt to isolate Ukraine had proven ineffective, with ties strengthening between the nations.
Background to Starmer’s visit
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer traveled to kyiv for an unannounced visit on Thursday. The trip is aimed at boosting support for Ukraine amid nearly three years of conflict, officials say.
The purpose of the visit and the agreement
Zelenskyy has been actively participating in meetings with Ukraine’s allies ahead of Donald Trump’s return to the White House next week. During his visit, Starmer is expected to sign a major deal establishing a “100-year partnership” between the UK and Ukraine, strengthening security ties.
Starmer highlights Putin’s efforts
Starmer stressed that Putin’s attempt to isolate Ukraine from its allies had proven ineffective. He highlighted the strengthening bond between the nations and said this partnership will further consolidate their friendship.
Debate on the deployment of Western troops
Zelenskyy has previously indicated that talks with Starmer would include the potential deployment of Western troops to Ukraine to oversee a ceasefire deal. This proposal, initially suggested by French President Emmanuel Macron, remains a subject of debate.
-The current state of the war
The visit coincides with a critical moment in the war on the battlefield. Fighting has intensified ahead of Trump’s inauguration on Monday, as both sides scramble to gain strategic advantage amid possible negotiations seeking to end the Russia-initiated conflict in February 2022. Russian forces have steadily gained ground in key areas of the northern Kharkiv region and the eastern Donetsk region, taking advantage of their numerical and logistical superiority.
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