Ukraine’s relationship with the UK has “got worse” since Labour took office in July, Ukrainian officials have claimed, with one suggesting it was pointless for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to visit their country as a “tourist”.
The frustration stems from the UK government’s reticence regarding the provision of additional long-range missiles.
In particular, there is dismay at Keir Starmer’s apparent hesitation to authorise new supplies of Storm Shadow missiles, which Kyiv has heavily relied on in targeting Russian positions.
In a likely reference to Sir Keir’s delay in visiting Ukraine despite recent meetings with Mr Zelensky in Europe, the insider told The Guardian: “There’s no point in his coming as a tourist.”
With specific reference to missiles, they added, “It isn’t happening. Starmer isn’t giving us long-range weapons.
“The situation is not the same as when Rishi Sunak was prime minister. The relationship has got worse.”
Four months into his term, Sir Keir is yet to travel to Ukraine, a delay which Kyiv is believed to see as symbolic of broader indecision over military support.
British Storm Shadows, highly accurate and capable of striking targets from over 150 miles away, have been a vital asset in Ukraine’s efforts to target Russian strongholds, including those in occupied Crimea.
However, officials in Ukraine say they have not received fresh supplies of these missiles for months, noting that if new stock had been sent, they “would be using them to hit Russian targets.”
The failure to resupply Kyiv has left Ukrainian officials dubious about London’s willingness to support their resistance to Russia, particularly given the changing global political landscape.
Writing on X, Anton Gerashchenko, a former advisor to the Ukrainian interior ministry, said: “The war hasn’t stopped while new decisions are awaited.
“Every day, there are heavy battles on the Ukrainian frontlines and strikes on our civilians.
“Russia hasn’t stopped to wait for negotiations, it has increased its pressure to capture as much Ukrainian territory and inflict as much damage as it can.”
Neither had Russia’s allies frozen their aid, he pointed out and continued to end both ammunition and soldiers, a likely reference to the deployment of North Korean troops.
He added: “Ukraine has become the arena of a geopolitical battle.
“We are paying the largest price possible – the lives of our people and destruction of our country.
“A strong Ukraine defending the European continent from the threat of war is a common interest if we want peace in Europe and wish to stop Russia.”
A No 10 spokesperson said: “One of the prime minister’s first decisions in office was to commit to spending £3bn on support for Ukraine every year – since then, the prime minister has met President Zelensky six times, including hosting him at No 10 twice, and meeting him at the European political community meeting in Hungary this week.”
