British PM receives top Ukrainian honor as UK deepens military backing for Kyiv

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer the Order of Freedom during his farewell visit to Kyiv, recognizing his personal contribution to strengthening UK-Ukraine ties and Britain's steadfast support since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion.

Starmer announced a €300 million ($340 million) contribution on July 16 to help finance the delivery of 16 Gripen fighter aircraft to Ukraine in cooperation with Sweden, reaffirming London's commitment to Kyiv during his final official visit to the Ukrainian capital.

The funding follows an agreement signed between Ukraine and Sweden in June for the purchase of 16 Gripen E fighter jets, with deliveries expected to begin as early as 2029.

Starmer described the visit as an opportunity to demonstrate the United Kingdom's "cast-iron support for Ukraine" as the country continues to defend itself against Russian aggression.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed Starmer in Kyiv, where the two leaders laid flowers at the Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen, honoring Ukrainian service members killed in the war.

"I thank Keir and the United Kingdom for their unwavering respect for our warriors, for all those who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend Ukraine and all of Europe," Zelenskyy wrote on X.

Speaking alongside Zelenskyy, Starmer praised Ukraine's armed forces, calling them "one of the most battle-hardened, tech-savvy, creative military forces in the world," as well as "a net contributor to collective security, and one of the best allies we could have."

Ahead of the visit, Zelenskyy awarded Starmer Ukraine's Order of Freedom, citing his "outstanding personal contribution" to strengthening bilateral relations and supporting Ukraine.

According to the British Prime Minister's Office, Starmer's two years in office saw the United Kingdom play "a central role in driving forward international support for Ukraine and European security" through military assistance and leadership of initiatives including the Coalition of the Willing and the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.

During his tenure, London committed £3 billion ($4 billion) annually in military assistance to Ukraine and supplied more than 250,000 drones, around 8,000 missiles, and over 350,000 artillery rounds, the statement said.

Starmer's farewell visit comes amid political upheaval in Ukraine following a government reshuffle that removed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a decision that sparked protests in several cities.

The British prime minister is expected to leave office on July 20, when Andy Burnham, the incoming Labour Party leader, is due to succeed him. Burnham has pledged to maintain the UK's support for Ukraine after taking office.

By Vafa Guliyeva