The Prime Minister met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on 16 July 2026, marking his fourth visit to Ukraine since the Russian invasion. The leaders said they discussed the long‑running conflict, the UK’s continuing assistance and progress made to prepare Ukraine for a lasting peace.
Honour and solidarity
On arrival the Prime Minister was presented with the Order of Freedom, described by the Ukrainian side as the highest honour they can bestow on a foreign national. The Prime Minister said he felt both grateful and humbled by the award.
"the whole of the UK would continue to stand behind Ukraine"
Officials said the pair reflected on work carried out over recent years to bolster Ukraine’s military and diplomatic position. They agreed that the relationship between the two countries was now "stronger than ever" and that contact would remain frequent.
Security concerns and resilience
Both leaders condemned the recent rise in attacks on Kyiv, calling those strikes despicable. They praised the city’s residents for what was described as remarkable courage and defiance, as the conflict moves into its fifth year.
- Meeting location: Kyiv, Ukraine
- Occasion: Fourth visit by the Prime Minister to Ukraine
- Honour awarded: Order of Freedom (Ukraine’s highest award to non‑nationals)
The Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy reviewed the continued flow of support the UK has provided since the start of Russia’s illegal invasion. Officials said the Prime Minister reiterated that UK assistance would remain steadfast.
Both leaders thanked one another for close co‑operation over the last two years and announced they would keep in close contact, with plans to meet again. The visit underscored the UK government’s public commitment to Ukraine at a time of ongoing hostilities and heightened strikes on the capital.
| Topic | Statement |
|---|---|
| UK support | Described as unwavering and continuing |
| Security situation | Increase in attacks on Kyiv criticised as despicable |
This meeting adds to a sequence of high‑level engagements between the UK and Ukraine and carries symbolic weight as well as practical implications for ongoing defence and diplomatic co‑operation.
