During a visit to Kyiv, UK leader Starmer finalizes a "100-year partnership" agreement with Ukraine.

On Thursday, Keir Starmer, the U.K. Prime Minister, signed a 100-year partnership agreement with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian President, as part of a European demonstration of support and a pledge to continue aiding Ukraine in its nearly three-year conflict with Russia.

Before Donald Trump's inauguration as U.S. president, there was skepticism about America's military role in Europe and Trump's plan to resolve the continent's largest conflict since World War II.

During a visit to Kyiv, Starmer assured Zelenskyy that the U.K. would remain committed to Ukraine's post-war security for the next 100 years, beyond the end of the current conflict and Ukraine's eventual liberation and prosperity.

The landmark century-long agreement between Starmer and the two sides commits them to cooperate on defense, particularly maritime security against Russian activity in the Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and Sea of Azov, and on technology projects including drones, which have become crucial weapons in the war. Additionally, the treaty includes a system to track stolen Ukrainian grain exported by Russia from occupied parts of the country.

Putin is angry with Ukraine's alignment with the West and potential future membership in NATO, as he still wants to exert influence over the independent nation.

As Starmer and Zelenskyy met at the presidential palace, debris from Russian drones shot down by Ukraine's air defenses fell in at least four districts of Kyiv, including one close to the Baroque presidential palace where the two men met.

Starmer stated that the drones were a symbol of the challenges the Ukrainian people face and their determination.

Starmer's first visit to Ukraine since taking office in July was his seventh meeting with Zelenskyy.

On Thursday, the Italian defense chief visited Kyiv, two days after Germany's defense minister and three days after Zelenskyy spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron by phone.

In the days before Trump's inauguration on Monday, there was a surge of diplomatic efforts. It is predicted that Trump's administration will shift away from the previous administration's commitment to supporting Ukraine until Russia is defeated. Trump has also suggested that Europe should take on a greater role in assisting Ukraine.

To secure the best possible outcome in future negotiations to end the full-scale invasion, which began on Feb. 24, 2022, Kyiv's allies have rushed to flood Ukraine with as much support as possible before Trump's inauguration.

Trump's plan may require Ukrainians to make unpleasant concessions, including surrendering land. Zelenskyy has stated that he wants assurances to prevent Russia from attacking again in the future.

Starmer stated at a joint news conference that we must examine the practical methods for achieving a just and enduring peace that ensures your safety, sovereignty, and the right to self-determination.

Zelenskyy stated that Macron proposed the idea of Western troops monitoring a future ceasefire, but it's premature to discuss specifics.

Starmer pledged to collaborate with Ukraine and its allies to ensure its security, leaving the door open for U.K. involvement.

"Those conversations will continue for many months ahead," Starmer said.

Zelenskyy previously discussed a potential peacekeeping force with Baltic countries, France, and Poland. However, he stated that it could only be a part of the security solution and emphasized that "we do not consider security guarantees without the United States."

Washington's role in Ukraine is "essential," as the United States is the largest supplier of military aid and advanced weapons to the country.

Starmer stated that they will persist in collaborating with the U.S. on this matter.

Since the war began, the U.K. has committed a total of 15.6 billion pounds ($18.9 billion) in military and civilian aid to Ukraine, including 150 more artillery barrels and a U.K.-designed mobile air defense system named Gravehawk. In 2025, the U.K. will provide even more military support to Ukraine than ever before.

On a daylong visit, Starmer and Zelenskyy paid their respects by laying flowers at a memorial wall for those who perished in the war. The wall, situated outside St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery in Kyiv, is adorned with photographs of the fallen, spanning an entire city block. This site has become a popular destination for families honoring their deceased loved ones.

Starmer visited a Kyiv hospital specializing in burns treatment and an exhibition of drone technology.

With the three-year mark of the grinding war approaching, both Russia and Ukraine are striving for battlefield victories before any potential peace negotiations. Ukraine has launched a second offensive in Russia's Kursk region, where it is fighting to maintain control over the territory it captured last year, and has intensified its drone and missile attacks on Russian weapons sites and fuel depots.

In eastern Ukraine, Moscow is gradually capturing land despite high casualties on a 600-mile front line. Additionally, Russia is intensely shelling Ukraine's energy system in an attempt to disrupt the Ukrainian people's access to heat and light during winter. On Wednesday, Ukraine experienced a major Russian ballistic and cruise missile attack, which led to the shutdown of the power grid in certain regions.