Starmer pledges UK support to Ukraine amid anniversary of independence

Keir Starmer and Volodymyr Zelensky shake hands at a meeting of the UK cabinet last month Photograph: Richard Pohle/The Times/PA

Keir Starmer has told Ukrainians that the UK will back them “today and always” as Kyiv marks 33 years since it declared independence from the Soviet Union.

The prime minister described his message to frontline fighters and people who have sought refuge in Britain as “crystal clear” as community groups, councils and parishes around the UK plan to mark the anniversary on Saturday.