Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has publicly endorsed Ukraine’s bid to join NATO, taking a stance that appears to diverge from recent US positions on the matter.
Speaking during his visit to Kyiv, Starmer declared, “Ukraine’s future lies within NATO. Their membership would strengthen not just Ukraine’s security, but the alliance as a whole.” His statement comes as he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian officials to discuss ongoing support for the war-torn nation.
The Labour leader’s position notably contrasts with more cautious approaches from Washington, where officials have expressed concerns about fast-tracking Ukraine’s NATO membership while the conflict with Russia continues.
“Britain has a historic responsibility to stand with Ukraine,” Starmer emphasized. “Should Labour form the next government, we will maintain our unwavering support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and its aspirations for NATO membership.”
The Conservative government has also previously backed Ukraine’s NATO ambitions, making this one of the rare issues where both major UK parties share common ground.
Ukrainian officials welcomed Starmer’s support, with Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stating that “Britain’s cross-party solidarity with Ukraine sends a powerful message to our adversaries.”
Military analysts suggest that practical considerations around NATO membership will likely remain complex while the conflict continues, regardless of political support from individual alliance members.
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