Blasts in Kyiv as Starmer inks ‘landmark’ 100-year accord

AFP :

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a “landmark” 100-year partnership agreement with Ukraine on Thursday during an unannounced visit to the war-torn country, seeking to shore up support for Kyiv before Donald Trump returns to the White House.
Loud blasts and air raid sirens rang out over the Ukrainian capital after Starmer’s arrival as air defence systems in central Kyiv repelled a Russian drone attack, officials and AFP journalists reported.
In Starmer’s first official visit to Kyiv since taking office last July, he pledged steadfast support in the face of the Russian invasion, and said any deal to end the fighting must “guarantee” Ukraine’s security and independence.
And he later said that the UK would also discuss with allies deploying peacekeeping troops to Ukraine to help guarantee security following any ceasefire with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the 100-year accord, saying he hoped for similar agreements with other allies.
“Relations between Ukraine and the UK are now closer than ever,” he said in his evening address.
The visit is the latest meeting that Zelensky is holding in a flurry of talks with allies before Trump’s return next week.
The incoming Republican has stoked fears that he will cut Washington’s vital military aid or force Ukraine to accept a ceasefire on terms that reward Russia for its February 2022 invasion.