Facing Russian threats, UK PM promises full commitment to Ukraine's peace

Keir Starmer, the British Prime Minister, has urged Europe to intensify its support for Ukraine, emphasizing the need for the continent to increase the supply of military equipment to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

His appeal comes amid growing concerns over the potential return of Donald Trump to power in the United States, which could lead to a shift in Washington's stance on military assistance for Kyiv, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

Starmer underscored the significance of European solidarity in maintaining a robust and unified response to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In Ukraine, Starmer has been grappling with one of the most difficult questions confronting Western leaders: how to resolve the war with Russia while navigating the unpredictable political tides in the United States, where Trump has threatened to cut military support to President Zelenskyy.

During his visit to Kyiv on January 16, Starmer got a firsthand glimpse of the dangers faced by Ukrainians daily. While in conversation with President Zelenskyy in central Kyiv, a Russian drone was launched over the building. The drone was intercepted and shot down by Kyiv's air defences, but the falling debris damaged a nearby car.

Despite the threat, the two leaders continued their discussion without pause, and Starmer downplayed the significance of the event, saying, “I think it’s really important to put this into context: This is what the Ukrainian people face every single day and that is the price that they are paying. Their resilience is both inspiring and humbling and therefore it was a small insight into the impact of Russian aggression on the Ukrainian people — and I see it through their eyes.”

Earlier that day, Starmer had visited a major burns treatment center in Kyiv, where he met with soldiers and civilians who had sustained severe injuries in the war. The scarring was particularly harrowing, with some patients suffering burns to more than 60 per cent of their bodies. “I was struck talking to them by their resilience and determination and the determination of the staff,” Starmer noted.

Looking ahead to Ukraine’s post-war future, Starmer suggested that the UK would play a key role in the peace process, potentially including sending troops to help maintain stability. While the prospect of deploying British forces overseas is a sensitive issue for Labour leaders, Starmer made it clear that Britain would not shy away from its responsibilities. “We will play our full part,” he affirmed, signaling his commitment to ensuring peace in the region, both for Ukraine and for the broader international community.

By Vafa Guliyeva