Keir Starmer has made his first visit to Ukraine since becoming Prime Minister, meeting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and emphasizing a reinforced partnership between the nations, just days before Donald Trump is set to return to the White House.

During this visit, the UK and Ukraine are set to formalize a new agreement to strengthen their defense ties, with additional military aid on the table amidst growing concerns over the possibility of the US scaling back its support to Kyiv.

Trump, who will assume office on Monday, has reiterated his stance to swiftly resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Reports suggest an early meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin is on the horizon once Trump begins his term.

President Zelenskyy has urged Western allies to remain steadfast, emphasizing the importance of sustaining prolonged military backing. He warned that cutting off support “will only invite more aggression, instability, and war.”

Starmer is anticipated to discuss potential UK security guarantees for Ukraine, which may include the involvement of British troops in a future peacekeeping mission after the conflict.

“Putin’s attempt to sever Ukraine’s ties with its closest allies has backfired immensely. Instead, our bond is stronger than ever, and this enhanced partnership will elevate our friendship even further,” Starmer remarked.

He continued, “The enduring strength of our alliances cannot be understated. Helping Ukraine defend itself from Russia’s brutal invasion and fostering a thriving, sovereign future for the nation is pivotal to this government’s security vision and transformative agenda.”

However, it remains uncertain if the incoming US administration will mirror the UK’s unwavering commitment. Trump has previously blamed Joe Biden for the conflict and has echoed rhetoric similar to the Kremlin’s, expressing he “understood” Russia’s discontent with NATO’s expansion.

For his part, Vladimir Putin has shown no signs of compromising on his maximalist demands. This includes Ukraine ceding control of four regions Russia controversially “annexed” in 2022—some of which Moscow does not fully occupy—and prohibiting Ukraine’s NATO membership ambitions.

Kremlin strategy appears to hinge on Trump potentially halting military aid to Ukraine, which could empower Russian forces to make further territorial advances. Currently, Russian troops are positioning to threaten Dnipropetrovsk, a crucial hub for Ukraine’s defense production.

Zelenskyy recently reiterated that security guarantees for Ukraine would only hold weight if backed by Washington. He cautioned that a ceasefire absent such guarantees would merely allow Russia additional time to rearm.

Starmer’s visit to Kyiv follows his discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron at Chequers last week, where they deliberated over the trajectory of the conflict post-Trump’s return. Reports from French sources indicate a mutual emphasis on ensuring security assurances for Ukraine.

The UK and Ukraine’s evolving “100-year partnership” is also designed to encompass non-military collaborations, particularly in scientific and technological fields. Starmer is set to announce a £40 million package aimed at economic recovery initiatives, which the UK government claims will also present opportunities for British businesses.

This funding will prioritize support for ventures linked to the green economy and marginalized communities, including women and veterans. It builds on the £12.8 billion the UK has already contributed to Ukraine, which includes £7.8 billion dedicated to military aid and additional support for energy infrastructure.

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“This isn’t just about addressing today’s challenges but investing in our shared future over the next century,” Starmer explained. “By fostering technological development, scientific progress, and cultural exchanges, we are leveraging the immense innovation Ukraine has displayed to benefit future generations.”

He added, “Through this partnership, we’re paving the way for a resilient economy serving the British people, a secure nation that defends our interests locally and internationally, and a thriving society.”

Starmer’s latest trip to Kyiv follows his February 2023 visit as opposition leader, where he reassured Zelenskyy that Labour’s approach to Ukraine would remain consistent under his leadership. During that trip, he also visited the Kyiv suburbs of Bucha and Irpin, sites of atrocities committed by Russian troops in spring 2022.

Last November, frustrations emerged from a senior Ukrainian official regarding Starmer’s administration, hinting that cooperation with the UK had “stalled.” They noted halted shipments of British long-range Storm Shadow missiles and delays in Starmer’s promised trips to Kyiv.

“It’s not happening. Starmer isn’t providing long-range weapons. The situation isn’t what it was under Rishi Sunak. Relations have deteriorated,” the official reportedly told the Guardian. Downing Street responded with irritation, declining to comment on operational specifics.

Nonetheless, Ukraine has recently deployed Storm Shadow missiles against high-value Russian targets, including in the Kursk region. Additionally, Ukrainian forces have initiated a small offensive into Russian territory in recent months, capturing two North Korean soldiers in the process.