Zelensky praises outgoing UK PM Starmer’s aid for Ukraine, but Kremlin says policy shift unlikely under any successor.
KYIV: Kyiv on Monday praised outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s support for Ukraine against the Russian invasion, while the Kremlin said it expected nothing to change, whoever replaces him.
London has been one of Ukraine’s staunchest backers since Russia invaded in February 2022 — with the United Kingdom’s four successive leaders in the years since having provided arms and financial support.
“Keir, thank you for all our cooperation, your support, and the joint decisions that have helped make our Europe and our protection of life stronger,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on X.
In a daily briefing call, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov slammed Starmer’s record but said little would change whoever takes over the keys to Downing Street.
“Keir Starmer has not distinguished himself in any way from the standpoint of Russian-British relations,” he told reporters, including from AFP.
“It is hardly likely that anyone on the current British political scene will take a different position on our bilateral relations to Keir Starmer.”
Starmer, in power since 2024, announced his resignation on Monday after months of policy U-turns, deep public unpopularity and dwindling support in his own party.
