Zelensky leads tributes to Starmer as world reacts to PM’s resignation

Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Sir Keir Starmer will always be a welcome guest in Ukraine, as the Ukrainian president extended his gratitude to the outgoing Prime Minister for his steadfast support during the war against Russia.

Mr Zelensky lauded the Labour leader for “always striving to do what is needed and what will truly help.”

The UK has stood as one of Kyiv’s most resolute allies since the Russian invasion, and the Ukrainian leader conveyed his wishes for “every success” to the British people moving forward.

Writing on X, accompanied by an image of the two leaders embracing, Mr Zelensky stated: “Keir, thank you for all our cooperation, your support, and the joint decisions that have helped make our Europe and our protection of life stronger.

“The United Kingdom has been, is, and will remain among the world’s leaders. Here in Ukraine, we deeply value Britain, and every meeting and every conversation we have had has always been filled with real substance.

“Thank you for always being in touch, always engaged, and always striving to do what is needed and what will truly help. I wish the United Kingdom and all British people every success as well as realisation of your national goals. We have confidence in Britain. Keir, you are always a welcome guest in Ukraine.”

Earlier this month, Sir Keir hosted Mr Zelensky alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at No 10 for discussions concerning the conflict.

Following a dispute between Kyiv and Washington, Sir Keir took steps to unite predominantly European leaders, aiming to establish a peacekeeping force designed to deter Russia should an end to the Ukraine war be agreed.

This initiative, dubbed the “Coalition of the Willing”, signalled a move away from over-reliance on the US and is now being considered for replication in the Middle East.

Among other global figures who paid tribute to Sir Keir was European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. She asserted that European and Ukrainian security is “stronger” thanks to his efforts.

“It can take many leaders years to grow into the statesman you became in just two years,” she posted on X. “European and Ukrainian security is stronger because of you. Thank you, dear Keir.”

European Council president Antonio Costa remarked: “Under your premiership (Keir Starmer) we turned a new page in EU-UK relations. The EU is committed to continued cooperation in this spirit. It has been a pleasure to work with you, as a colleague and a friend. Thank you, dear Keir.”

Separately, Taoiseach Micheál Martin commended Sir Keir for his pivotal role in “resetting the Irish-British relationship.”

“I wish to convey my best wishes to Prime Minister Keir Starmer following this morning’s announcement of his resignation,” he said.

“I want to acknowledge the significant role Keir played in resetting the Irish-British relationship as well as relations between the UK and the European Union during his time as Prime Minister.

“Since Keir took office two years ago, he has worked with us to set a new direction and depth in the relationship between Ireland and the UK, for the benefit of all our citizens, north-south and east-west.

“Our two Governments also took an important step forward in dealing with the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland publishing a Joint Framework on addressing the legacy of the Troubles.

“Keir is a person of great ability, decency and honour and I want to wish him, his wife Victoria and their family, very well in their next chapter.”