NewsPoliticsPoliticsThe Prime Minister made the pledge to President Volodymyr Zelensky as he visited Kyiv for his final foreign trip before he hands over power to Andy Burnham on MondayLizzy Buchan, in Kyiv, Ukraine12:54, 16 Jul 2026Keir Starmer has promised Ukraine that Britain's support will not waver after he leaves Downing Street.‌The Prime Minister made the pledge to President Volodymyr Zelensky as he visited Kyiv for his final foreign trip before he hands over power to Andy Burnham on Monday.‌President Zelensky awarded the PM with the Ukrainian 'Order of Freedom' at the start of the press conference, which is the highest award for a foreign person in Ukraine.‌Britain has been one of Ukraine's staunchest allies in the face of Russia's illegal invasion, triggering jitters in Kyiv as the country prepares to change PM again.Speaking at a press conference, Mr Starmer said: "The UK's support for Ukraine will not waver. I say that with real confidence because it has not wavered since the outbreak of this conflict.‌"There has been cross-party unity on this, there has been unity within parties and there is the resolve of the British people."It is really significant that it is now - in the fifth year of this conflict - the Ukrainian flag still flies above Downing Street."It still flies across churches and town halls across the country, and individual gardens.‌"Because the British people understand what is being fought for here - freedom and democracy, values that we will never take for granted. We know that this fight is our fight."Mr Starmer said there was huge resolve across politics and among the public, as the conflict touched people's lives in Britain, through rising costs and state-backed Russian aggression at home.He vowed the UK would stand with Ukraine "for as long as it takes - and long after".‌After receiving the award, he shook hands with the Ukrainian leader and said that the award was “completely unexpected” and “very meaningful”. He added: “It really means a huge amount.”President Zelensky said the strong friendships with Mr Starmer, and close allies like French President Emmanuel Macron were crucial to Ukraine's fight.Asked if he was concerned about changes of leadership in Britain, and in France next year, he said: "Of course I'm afraid of changes, of course we are afraid because we are in the war each day.Article continues below"But again the priority is the relation between nations, not just between just people. I'm sure that these relations will not change, or we have to do our best not to lose such very good relations."He added: "I hope we will never lose strong relations with the UK during or after the war." Mr Starmer replied: "You won't."Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌PoliticsUkraine