# Outgoing UK PM Keir Starmer Visits Ukraine in Final Pre-Departure Trip

*Outgoing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer travels to Ukraine for his last visit before leaving office next week, reassuring President Zelensky of continued UK support.*

July 16, 2026 · World

Outgoing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is visiting Ukraine on Thursday for his final trip to the war-torn country before leaving office next week. Starmer, set to depart Downing Street on Monday, will hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, the British government announced. The premier is expected to reassure Zelensky that the UK's commitment to backing Ukraine will continue after he is replaced by Andy Burnham.

## Continued Support

"Our cast-iron support for Ukraine will always endure," Starmer said in comments released by his office. Britain recently joined the European Union's 90-billion-euro ($103 billion) support loan for Ukraine, highlighting its ongoing commitment to the region.

## Political Transition

Burnham will become leader of the ruling Labour party on Friday and take over as prime minister on Monday after meeting King Charles III. He will be the UK's fifth leader since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Starmer announced his resignation on June 22 after losing the confidence of Labour lawmakers following several domestic policy U-turns. Despite this, he is held in high regard by many foreign leaders, particularly for his work on Ukraine and commitment to NATO. Starmer, along with French President Emmanuel Macron, has helped lead efforts to establish a peacekeeping force aimed at deterring Russia in the event of a peace deal.

## Sources

- BSS

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/world/outgoing-uk-pm-starmer-visits-ukraine