Here the British PM signed a 100-year partnership agreement with Ukraine, while Russia showed the trailer

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a 100-year partnership agreement with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky on Thursday, which is a part of European support and promises to help Ukraine in its nearly three-year-long war with Russia. This announcement has been made at a time when power change is going to take place in the US in a few days. However, during the agreement in Kiev, drones were flown over the Presidential Palace by Russia.

Donald Trump, who is set to be sworn in as US president next week, is against the war. He believes the US military burden in Europe is excessive and says he has a plan to end the continent's biggest war since World War II.

Starmer told President Zelensky during a visit to Kiev, "We are with you not only today or tomorrow, this year or next, but for the next 100 years. After this terrible war is over, Ukraine will once again be a prosperous nation." He also promised that Britain would "play its part" in guaranteeing Ukraine's post-war security.

On the other hand, when British PM Starmer was at the Presidential Palace in Kiev, Russia reacted strongly to this visit and flew a drone in the sky above him. Starmer had gone to meet President Zelensky to discuss Ukraine's next steps. This was Sir Keir's first visit to Kiev after winning the election last July.

The sound of anti-aircraft gunfire was heard in the courtyard of the presidential palace as aerial sirens warned of possible drone attacks. Although aerial sirens are common in Ukraine, drones flying over the presidential palace was a rare occurrence. One drone was shot down by Ukraine, while eyewitnesses believe at least two drones were flying and suspect they were possibly surveillance drones, as the one that was shot down did not explode.

British Prime Minister Starmer said the landmark 100-year agreement commits both sides to cooperate on defence – particularly maritime security against Russian activity in the Baltic Sea, Black Sea and Sea of ​​Azov – and on a range of technology projects, including drones, which have become key weapons for both sides in the war. The treaty also includes a system to help track stolen Ukrainian grain exported by Russia from occupied parts of the country.

Ukraine's alliance with the West and possible future membership in NATO have angered Russian President Vladimir Putin, who wants to maintain dominance over the still independent nation.

Drone debris fell in 4 cities

While PM Starmer was meeting Zelensky at the presidential palace, debris from a Russian drone shot down by Ukrainian air defences fell in at least four districts of Kiev, according to city administration chief Timur Tkachenko. One was near the baroque presidential palace where the two leaders met.

This unannounced visit of PM Starmer is his first visit to Ukraine since taking office in July last year, and he also said that this was his seventh meeting with Zelensky. The Italian defense chief was also in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv yesterday Thursday, two days after the visit of the German Defense Minister and three days after Zelensky spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron on the phone, this political turmoil is being seen in Kyiv.

An eye on America's next step

Meanwhile, diplomatic activities are being intensified in the US ahead of Donald Trump's swearing-in on Monday next week. It is believed that the outgoing US administration will move away from its pledge to stand with Ukraine in the war against Russia. Trump has also indicated that he wants Europe to take more responsibility to help Ukraine.

Ahead of Trump's swearing-in, a campaign has begun to provide as much support as possible to Kiev's ally Ukraine, with the aim of putting Ukraine in as strong a position as possible for any future talks to end the fighting that began on February 24, 2022. Ukrainians are believed to be concerned that Trump's plan will demand unpleasant concessions such as giving up territory. Not only this, Zelensky has also said that he wants security guarantees to prevent Russia from attacking again in the future.

We will help more in 2025: PM Kir

Starmer said, "We must look at how this war can end, practical ways to achieve a just and lasting peace ... that guarantees your security, your freedom and your right to choose your future." Zelensky said the two leaders had discussed an idea put forward by Emmanuel Macron for Western troops to monitor a future ceasefire, but added that "it's a bit early to talk about details".

Starmer said Britain would provide Ukraine with “more military support than ever before” in 2025. His country has already pledged 3 billion pounds (US$3.6 billion) in military aid this year, including 150 more artillery barrels and a UK-designed mobile air defence system called Greyhawk. Britain has pledged 12.8 billion pounds (US$15.6 billion) in military and civilian aid since the war began.