Keir Starmer’s Commitment to Ukraine: A Three-Pronged Strategy
On February 24, 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered remarks at a summit convened by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, marking the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Starmer commended President Zelenskyy’s leadership and the resilience of the Ukrainian people, emphasizing the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine.
Starmer outlined a three-pronged strategy to pressure Russia into meaningful peace negotiations:
- Enhanced Military Support: The UK committed £4.5 billion in military aid for the year, surpassing previous contributions. This includes increased training for Ukrainian troops and leadership of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group.
- Increased Economic Sanctions: The UK announced its largest sanctions package since the war’s onset, targeting Russia’s shadow fleet and companies in China and elsewhere supplying military components to Russia. Starmer urged the G7 to intensify measures, including adjusting the oil price cap and sanctioning Russian oil giants and banks facilitating sanctions evasion.
- Collective Strength in Peace Efforts: Starmer stressed the necessity of Ukraine’s involvement in peace negotiations and the importance of strong security guarantees. He expressed the UK’s readiness to support these guarantees with troops on the ground, in collaboration with European partners and contingent upon appropriate conditions.
This summit occurred amid shifting global dynamics, notably the absence of U.S. officials, reflecting President Donald Trump’s administration’s evolving stance toward Russia and Ukraine.
Original Text
Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered a speech this morning at a meeting of world leaders to mark three years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Thank you very much – colleagues, let me start with Volodymyr and saying on this day of all days, I want to pay tribute to your leadership Volodymyr. And friends – it’s right that we mark this grim anniversary together. For three years we have been united in opposition to Russia’s barbaric invasion. And for three years we have been full of admiration for the incredible response of the Ukrainian people.
Their voices must be must at the heart of the drive for peace. And I want to be clear – I hear them. I think of the soldiers and civilians that I met in Kyiv just a few weeks ago in the ICU, in the burns unit… The witnesses to the horror of Bucha… The school children I met living under constant bombardment… The soldiers training in the UK, bound for the frontline… Their voices echo in my ears – They inform the decisions I take – and the peace that I believe we must see.
So I have a very simple, clear message today: the UK is with you. Today and every day. From His Majesty the King… To the NHS workers volunteering in hospitals in Ukraine… To the communities that took Ukrainian refugees to their heart. And that’s why I signed our 100-year partnership with President Zelenskyy last month – Because we believe in Ukraine’s fight today, and the country’s incredible potential to thrive in the years to come.
This is a time for unity. In this crucial moment as talks begin – we must work together to shape the outcome.
Russia does not hold all the cards in this war… Because the Ukrainians have the courage to defend their country… Because Russia’s economy is in trouble… And because they have now lost the best of their land forces and their Black Sea Fleet in this pointless invasion. So we must increase the pressure even further to deliver an enduring peace, not just a pause in fighting. We can do that in three ways.
First, by stepping up our military support to Ukraine. The UK is doing that… Providing £4.5bn in military aid this year – more than ever before. We’re doing more than ever to train Ukrainian troops, helping Ukraine to mobilise even further… And we’re proud to have taken on the leadership of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group.
Secondly, we must keep dialling up the economic pressure… To get Putin to a point where he is ready not just to talk, but to make concessions. So today we’re announcing the UK’s largest package of sanctions since the early days of the war… Going after Russia’s shadow fleet… And going after companies in China and elsewhere who are sending military components.
Later today I will be discussing further steps with the G7 – And I am clear that the G7 should be ready to take on more risk – Including on the oil price cap… Sanctioning Russia’s oil giants… And going after the banks that are enabling the evasion of sanctions.
Third, we must bring our collective strength to the peace effort.
President Trump has changed the global conversation over the last few weeks. And it has created an opportunity. Now, we must get the fundamentals right.
If we want peace to endure, Ukraine must have a seat at the table… And any settlement must be based on a sovereign Ukraine… Backed up with strong security guarantees. The UK is ready and willing to support this with troops on the ground – With other Europeans, and with the right conditions in place.
And ultimately a US backstop will be vital to deter Russia from launching another invasion in just a few years’ time.
So we will do everything we can to get the best outcome for Ukraine – and for us all. Let me close with one of those voices I mentioned earlier – A patient called Petro, from the burns unit I visited in Kyiv. He said to me… “If Ukraine fails, Europe will be next.” That is what’s at stake here. That is why we will always stand with Ukraine, and with our allies… Against this aggression… And for a just and lasting peace. Slava Ukraini.
Date: 24 February 2025
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