UK leader meets Zelensky in Ukraine before Trump-Inauguration

UK leader meets Zelensky in Ukraine before Trump-Inauguration

Kyiv, Ukraine (AP) - The British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Ukraine on Thursday and promised to ensure the country's security for the next 100 years - just a few days before Donald Trump is praised as President of the USA.

100 years partnership

The British government announced that Starmer and the Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj in Kiev will sign a contract for a “100-year partnership”. This contract includes areas such as defense, science, energy and trade.

first trip since taking office

Straßer, who was confirmed in office in July, visits Ukraine for the first time since taking office. Previously, he was as an opposition leader in Ukraine in 2023 and has had discussions with Selenskyj in Downing Street 10 since his government takeover.

important military aid

As one of Ukraina's largest military supporters, the United Kingdom has promised £ 12.8 billion (around $ 16 billion) of military and civil help since the large -scale Russian attack three years ago and trained more than 50,000 Ukrainian soldiers on British soil. Strander also plans to announce £ 40 million ($ 49 million) for the economic recovery of Ukraine after the war.

The role of the USA in support

The role of the United Kingdom is overshadowed by that of the United States, and there is great uncertainty about the fate of American support for Ukraine as soon as Trump takes up his office on January 20. The designated president questioned the costs of the US aid for Kiev, would like to end the war quickly and plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose admiration he has long expressed.

support before Trump's office

The allied Kiev strives to provide Ukraine before Trump's inauguration with as much support as possible in order to bring the country into a strong position for future negotiations to end war.

assurance for peace

Selenskyj has emphasized that Ukraine needs security guarantees for the future in every peace negotiation, especially in view of the much larger neighbor Russia. Great Britain sees part of this guarantee in the 100-year commitment and wants to ensure that Ukraine is "never exposed to brutality that was added to it by Russia" after Russia annexed the Crimea in 2014 and tried a large-scale attack in February 2022.

defense and cooperation in technology

The contract obliges both sides to cooperate in the defense area - in particular for maritime security against Russian activities in the Baltic Sea, in the Black Sea and in the Sea - as well as in technology projects, including drones that have become crucial weapons for both sides. The contract also includes a system for monitoring stolen Ukrainian grain, which is exported by Russia.

Strengthen strategic partnership

"Putin's endeavor to separate Ukraine from its closest partners was a monumental strategic failure. Instead, we are closer than ever, and this partnership will raise our friendship to the next level," said Starer before his visit.

long -term investments

"" It's not just about the here and now, but also an investment in our two countries for the coming century, the technological development, scientific progress and cultural exchange opportunities combined and the enormous potential for innovation that Ukraine has been using in recent years, "added.

Overview of future plans

In addition, Selenskyj will also discuss a plan with Starrmer the French President Emmanuel Macron proposed. This provides that troops from France and other western countries are stationed in Ukraine to monitor compliance with a ceasefire.

NATO and peace negotiations

Selenskyj emphasized that such a proposal should go hand in hand with a time frame for the NATO accession of Ukraine. The 32 member states of the Allianz say that one day Ukraine will join, but only after the war. Trump gave the impression of sympathizing with Putin's position that Ukraine should not be part of NATO.

Current developments in the war

While the grueling war lasts for almost three years, both Russia and Ukraine are pushing for military success in advance of possible peace talks. Ukraine has launched a second offensive in the Kursk region, where it is fighting for control over an area that had conquered it last year and has reinforced the attacks on arms warehouse and fuel deposits within Russia.

Russian offensive and attacks on the energy infrastructure

Moscow slowly takes areas along the 600 miles (1,000 kilometers) long front line in eastern Ukraine and carries out intensive attacks on the Ukrainian energy system in order to withdraw heat and light in the depths of winter. A significant Russian attack with ballistic and cruise aircraft on regions in Ukraine recently forced the authorities to switch off the power grid in some areas.