Keir Starmer arrived in Kyiv on July 16, 2026, for a farewell visit to Ukraine's capital, just days before he is set to hand over leadership to Andy Burnham. The trip follows recent Russian drone strikes that resulted in casualties.
Starmer traveled to Ukraine via an overnight train and was met by Deputy Foreign Minister Yevhen Perebyinis and Directorate General for State Protocol Olena Yalova. The mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, reported via Telegram that two people died and six others, including a 16-year-old, were injured in overnight attacks. The Russian defense ministry stated that its forces targeted Ukrainian military sites.
During his visit, Starmer aimed to reassure President Volodymyr Zelensky that the United Kingdom's support for Ukraine will remain steadfast, even with an impending change in UK leadership. This commitment is intended to provide continuity amid the ongoing conflict.
The visit also occurs as Kyiv faces internal political shifts, with President Zelensky having recently dismissed his defense minister, Mykhailo Fedorov.
This visit by Starmer, who recently saw his hopes of Prime Minister during the World Cup dashed when the England team lost to Argentina, underscores the continuing international focus on the conflict in Ukraine.