Ukraine Will Win War, Starmer Tells Zelenskyy in Final Visit 2026

Keir Starmer has said he believes Ukraine will win the war against Russia as he ended his final visit to the country while in office. The British leader met Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Thursday, delivering a strong message of continued support and announcing new military funding.

In an interview with Sky News, Starmer stated: “I believe Ukraine will win this war.” He praised Ukraine’s military effectiveness, adding: “What they’ve shown is that it’s not just the size of your army, it’s how you fight a modern conflict. And so they are probably the most effective fighting machine in Europe.”

Starmer’s Final Visit and Funding Announcement

Starmer’s visit came on his final full day as Labour leader, with the British leader emphasizing that the handover would not change the relationship between the two nations. “The fact that there will be a new prime minister in the United Kingdom, in the days to come, doesn’t change that dynamic at all,” he said. “The resolve of the United Kingdom remains the same, it will not waver.”

Starmer also announced 300 million-euro funding to help deliver a squadron of 16 advanced Swedish Gripen jets to Ukraine by 2029. The Gripen aircraft can be used for air-to-air combat, ground strikes, and reconnaissance missions, significantly boosting Ukraine’s aerial capabilities.

Zelenskyy’s Defense Minister Dismissal Sparks Protests

Zelenskyy defended on Thursday his decision to dismiss the country’s popular defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, and confirmed reports that relations had broken down between the ministry and the country’s top army leadership. His decision to back the commander of Ukraine’s armed forces Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi has outraged civil society.

More than 1,000 protesters gathered outside the presidential office in Kyiv on Thursday, carrying placards in support of Fedorov. Ukraine’s youthful defence minister was seen as an innovator of the country’s successful drone technology but clashed with the traditional military establishment.

Personnel Overhaul Tests Zelenskyy’s Authority

The personnel overhaul, which included replacing the prime minister, could become a test of Zelenskyy’s political authority as Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s full-scale invasion approaches four and a half years. Zelenskyy has remained in office under martial law because wartime elections are suspended.

Key Takeaways

• Starmer reaffirms UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine in his final visit as PM.
• New 300 million-euro funding package will deliver 16 Gripen jets to Ukraine.
• Zelenskyy’s dismissal of defense minister Fedorov sparks major protests in Kyiv.
• Personnel changes may challenge Zelenskyy’s political authority amid ongoing war.
• Ukraine continues to be recognized as one of Europe’s most effective fighting forces.

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