Ukraine-Russia war latest: Starmer pledges new air defence system as Putin’s drones threaten his Kyiv visit
Sir Keir Starmer has pledged a new air defence system to Ukraine as part of a £4.5bn military support package during a visit to Kyiv that was marred by the threat of Russian drones.
Speaking at the Ukrainian presidential palace as the booming sound of anti-aircraft guns could be heard outside, Sir Keir said Britain would look at “the practical ways to get a just and lasting peace” for the war-hit nation.
The new British military aid includes more drones, 150 artillery barrels, a mobile air defence system and an expanded training initiative with allies.
Sir Keir also confirmed he was discussing plans with host Volodymyr Zelensky and France’s Emmanuel Macron for British troops to be sent to Ukraine as peacekeepers in the event of a ceasefire with Russia.
On the battlefield, a new report suggests the entire North Korean contingent of roughly 12,000 soldiers currently deployed in Kursk could be killed or wounded by mid-April, if current casualty rates continue.
