UK prime minister meets Ukrainian president as they sign 100-year partnership agreement to deepen security ties between nations

Vladimir Putin timed the latest bombardment on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv for when Sir Keir Starmer was visiting, further proving that Russia is at war with all of Europe. The British prime minister arrived in the city for a meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky this morning when air raid sirens blasted, warning of incoming missiles and drones.

The 'historic' 100-year partnership includes £3bn a year in funding, as well as the provision of air defence systems and training for Ukrainian soldiers.

Keir Starmer has launched a new defence pact with Poland to protect Europe from the threat of Russia. Earlier today, he made his first trip to Ukraine since becoming PM, meeting President Zelensky in Kyiv while a Russian drone was shot down nearby and sirens wailed. There he pledged a 100-year partnership and has not ruled out British troops being involved in a peace-keeping force when the current fighting ends.

The flurry of diplomatic activity comes as the conflict between Ukraine and Russia intensifies ahead of the inauguration of president-elect Donald Trump.