Sir Keir Starmer stressed the UK's unwavering commitment to Ukraine during his concluding journey to the country as prime minister.

He will confer with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv later on Thursday, before Andy Burnham assumes the role of Labour leader and prime minister.

In remarks before the visit, Sir Keir noted that the resilience shown by Ukrainians since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022 has helped safeguard Europe's overall security.

His statement underscored Britain's role in supporting Ukraine's defense efforts throughout his time in office.

This included a century-long agreement between the nations to strengthen defense cooperation and trade links, along with the prime minister's push to create a future peacekeeping initiative.

"Upon taking office, I recognized that the UK needed to do more than offer immediate solidarity and instead lay groundwork for Ukraine's enduring stability and prosperity," Sir Keir said.

He pointed to increased UK defense spending and leadership in advancing next-generation military technologies.

Sir Keir added: "We have also encouraged partners to join this effort. Recent G7 and Nato gatherings demonstrated that the UK and its allies stand firmly united against Russian aggression."

At the Nato summit in Turkey last week, Zelensky called on allies to prioritize air defense capabilities amid heavy Russian attacks.

The Ukrainian leader later received approval from US President Donald Trump to manufacture Patriot missiles, which may aid protection of Kyiv from Russian ballistic strikes.

The initial batch of 150 British-produced artillery barrels is being supplied to Ukraine via a 61 million pound deal with BAE Systems to bolster defenses.

"I take great pride in Britain's contributions, and this work will persist with our enduring support for Ukraine," Sir Keir stated.

The trip occurs as Russia keeps striking Odesa port, where officials reported hits on facilities used for petroleum unloading.

Eight individuals died in Russian strikes on Black Sea oil tankers.

During his final Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch commended Sir Keir's efforts on Ukraine and his ties with Zelensky.

In his farewell to MPs, Sir Keir recalled the moving occasion when he hosted Zelensky at Downing Street shortly after the Ukrainian leader's difficult White House meeting with US President Donald Trump in February 2025.

"I met with him to convey that this country stands alongside him and Ukraine," he noted.

Sir Keir's successor Burnham will assume Labour leadership on Friday and is expected to become prime minister on Monday.