Labour leader Keir Starmer has paid Ukraine a visit as their war with Russia approaches its first anniversary.
Britain has been a leading supporter of Ukraine under the governing Conservatives, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has followed predecessor Boris Johnson's example by visiting Kyiv. Johnson is popular in Ukraine, and has a street named after him.
But an election is widely expected next year in Britain, and opinion polls give Labour a strong lead over the Conservatives.
Starmer has committed to maintaining the same level of support for Ukraine from the UK were there to be a change of Government next year.
Keir Starmer recently paid tribute to Ukraine's efforts
Image: Reuters
The Labour leader travelled to the suburbs of Irpin and Bucha where Russia have left buildings in ruin after being pushed back by Ukrainian forces.
Speaking to Reuters at the scene, Starmer called for “justice” for the atrocities caused by Russia.
He told reporters: “There has to be justice for this. There has to be justice in The Hague and there has to be proper reparation in the rebuilding of Ukraine.”
Starmer has previously explored the possibility of visiting Ukraine, but was reportedly delayed by the security situation in Ukraine and the collapse of Liz Truss’s government.
Zelensky previously welcomed another national opposition leader when Friedrich Merz, head of the Christian Democratic Union, travelled to the capital in May and was received by Zelensky.
Starmer met Zelensky earlier this month
VALENTYN OGIRENKO
It comes as the Labour leader looks to portray himself as a beacon of support for Ukraine, with Prime Minister’s Questions last week dominated by shows of cross-party unity.
Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022 in a move that was widely condemned by the international community, leading to a mass range of sanctions.
Starmer’s trip to Ukraine is his first visit since the war commenced, having last year voiced “unrelenting” support for the country from Labour.
Earlier this month, the Labour leader met Volodymyr Zelensky during the Ukrainian president’s trip to the UK.
In a tweet following their meeting, Starmer said: “It was an honour to meet President Zelensky today.
“I reformed to him our support for Ukraine and expressed my sympathies for the horrors suffered by the Ukrainian people.
“This war must end with Putin’s defeat and Ukraine’s freedom secured.”