UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Keir Starmer pledged continued UK support for Ukraine’s security and NATO membership in a call with President Zelenskyy, countering Trump’s stance on the issue.
As reported by Sky News, Keir Starmer reaffirmed Mr Zelenskyy in a phone call, highlighting the growing rift between Europe and the US on the matter.
What did Keir Starmer promise Ukraine in his call with Zelenskyy?
Number 10 stated Mr Starmer assured Zelenskiy,
“the UK’s concrete support for Ukraine, for as long as it’s needed.”
The readout of the call from Downing Street said,
“He was unequivocal that there could be no talks about Ukraine, without Ukraine. Ukraine needed strong security guarantees, further lethal aid and a sovereign future, and it could count on the UK to step up.”
It continued,
“The prime minister reiterated the UK’s commitment to Ukraine being on an irreversible path to NATO, as agreed by allies at the Washington summit last year.”
Both leaders discussed the approaching third anniversary of Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s invasion, agreeing it would be an essential opportunity to showcase global solidarity and support.
The conversation also reflected on the Labour leader’s visit to Kyiv last month, with President Zelenskyy outlining his plans for the Munich Security Conference.
What did Volodymyr Zelensky say after a phone discussion with Keir Starmer?
Mr Zelensky stated,
“I informed Prime Minister Starmer about my discussion with President Trump and contacts with the American side. The Ukrainian and American teams must work together with Europeans and all our global partners to achieve concrete results.”
While referring to the need for strengthened global security, he stated that every passing week must deliver concrete outcomes to ensure long-term stability and peace.
The Ukrainian president added he and Keir Starmer
“also discussed an action plan for the near future to shape a common strategy on security, economic cooperation, and political partnership.”
What did Trump announce about Ukraine’s ceasefire and Nato membership?
The newly elected president, earlier this week revealed that he and Vladimir Putin had an extensive discussion and decided to initiate ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine.
The US president stated that Ukraine’s chances of reclaiming all its territory were slim and said he had no objection to Ukraine being left out of NATO, a significant diplomatic advantage for Moscow ahead of official talks. At a NATO summit in Brussels, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed the possibility of Ukraine joining the alliance and the return of territories held by Russia.
Mr Trump claimed Ukraine was part of the discussion, but Kyiv dismissed the possibility of direct talks with Moscow taking place today.
How much financial support has the UK promised to Ukraine?
On 5 February 2025, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited Ukraine just weeks after the prime minister pledged Britain’s full support for securing peace, which may also include troop deployment.
He announced £55m in assistance for critical sectors like energy, grain, and social services while also underscoring the importance of tackling the impact of Russia’s invasion and its repercussions.
The foreign secretary will pledge £17m in funding for energy initiatives to assist Ukraine in its recovery and enhance its power infrastructure, which has been heavily damaged by Russian strikes.
Sources indicate that £10m will be invested in rebuilding Ukraine’s economy, while £25m will be allocated for essential social services.