UK's Starmer urges NATO unity for Ukraine, pledges military aid
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will tell NATO leaders on Thursday they must send a clear message to Russian President Vladimir Putin of unity in their support for Ukraine, and he re-committed to delivering a 3 billion pound military aid package for Kyiv, Paralel.Az reports citing Reuters.
At his first international meeting after winning a landslide election victory, Starmer enjoyed a warm welcome from NATO leaders, some of whom can only envy his large majority at home and the stability it should deliver for his new administration.
Days into his leadership, Starmer recommitted to the former Conservative government's pledge to deliver 3 billion pounds ($3.9 billion) a year of military support to Ukraine until 2030-31 and beyond if needed, underlining continuity in Britain's role as being one of Kyiv's most active and vocal backers.
"NATO was founded by the generation who defeated fascism. They understood not just the value of our strength, but the strength of our values," he will say, according to excerpts of his speech.
"Those values are under attack once again. Putin needs to hear a clear message ringing out from this summit - a message of unity and determination, that we will support Ukraine with whatever it takes, for as long as it takes to uphold our shared values and our shared security."
Hours after Starmer's Labour Party won an election to sweep the Conservatives from power, he deployed his newly appointed ministers to show Britain's continued support for Ukraine.