SIR Keir Starmer says there are “unbreakable bonds” between the UK and Ukraine — as they sign a 100-year deal today.
The pact comes ahead of potential peace talks between Kyiv and Russia.
US President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to get the two sides around the table “very quickly” once he is back in the Oval Office.
His incoming team have warned it is not “realistic to say we’re going to expel every Russian from every inch of Ukrainian soil”.
But President Volodymyr Zelensky is seeking security guarantees such as Nato membership before agreeing to enter negotiations.
The Kremlin says it is open to a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Trump.
The PM, making his first trip to Kyiv since entering No 10, will today likely face questions over whether British troops will be involved in policing any peace deal.
But his main focus will be revealing the 100 Year Partnership to rebuild Ukraine with the aid of British firms and private sector loans.
The UK is “preferred partner” for the Kyiv government to rebuild its crippled energy system as well as mining critical minerals and producing greener steel.
The deal will also see coordination in policing the Baltic Sea, the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea from Russia, as well as developing drone and space tech together.
The UK has so far provided £12.8billion in support to Ukraine, including £7.8billion of military assistance.
The PM said: “Putin’s ambition to wrench Ukraine away from its closest partners has been a monumental strategic failure.
“Instead, we are closer than ever, and this partnership will take that friendship to the next level.”
Sir Keir’s trip includes meeting schoolkids and visiting specialist NHS burn doctors who are training their Ukrainian counterparts.
The TimesSir Keir Starmer signs a 100-year deal today with Ukraine, as he makes his first trip to Kyiv since entering No 10[/caption]
Biggest ever hit on Vlad
By Nick Parker
RUSSIA launched a furious blackout blitz yesterday in response to Ukraine’s biggest-ever strike on its territory.
Six Ukraine regions were rocked by blasts and power outages.
It came after British Storm Shadow missiles and US Atacms hit deep inside Russia.
Tuesday’s unprecedented Ukrainian attack on its neighbour targeted oil, chemical and ammunition plants.
Vladimir Putin’s forces hit back, firing cruise missiles at critical infrastructure.
Both sides were believed to be stepping up attacks ahead of expected US peace moves when President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Monday.