Starmer's final day as Labour leader: Kyiv visit and vow of enduring Ukraine support

Keir Starmer visited Kyiv on 16 July 2026 — his last day as Labour leader — telling President Zelensky Britain's support for Ukraine "will always endure." Russian strikes hit Ukraine that same day. Andy Burnham was due to succeed him as Labour leader on 17 July, with a formal audience at the Palace scheduled for the following Monday.