By On April 22, 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed British troops at an army base in the West of England, commending the “resilience of the Ukrainians” in their ongoing struggle against Russian aggression. The event, captured in a Sky News broadcast, underscores the UK’s steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine, a stance that has been a cornerstone of British foreign policy since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Starmer’s visit to the military base not only served to boost troop morale but also highlighted the broader geopolitical context in which the UK is navigating complex international alliances and security challenges.
Starmer’s remarks come at a pivotal moment for the UK’s foreign policy. Since taking office in 2024, the Labour leader has prioritized strengthening military and diplomatic ties to counter global threats. His comments echo sentiments expressed in a February 2025 statement, reported by The Telegraph, where he declared the UK’s readiness to deploy troops to Ukraine to enforce a potential peace deal.
This willingness to commit British forces reflects a proactive approach to European security, especially as Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have spearheaded a “coalition of the willing” to support Ukraine, as noted by The Guardian in March 2025. The coalition aims to ensure a lasting peace by providing security guarantees, including air, logistics, and intelligence support, amid fears of Russian ceasefire violations.
The West of England event also highlighted the UK’s recent defence agreement with New Zealand, a partner in the Indo-Pacific region. According to NATO’s website, this partnership, formalized in 2024, focuses on shared security challenges like cyber defence and climate change, with New Zealand contributing to NATO’s support for Ukraine through initiatives like military healthcare.
Starmer’s address to the troops, flanked by soldiers in camouflage, symbolized this growing network of alliances, as the UK seeks to bolster its global standing in an increasingly volatile world.
However, Starmer’s foreign policy is not without complications. In September 2024, the UK suspended some arms sales to Israel due to concerns over potential violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza, as reported by AP News. This decision, which followed a High Court challenge by human rights groups, reflects the delicate balance Starmer must strike between supporting allies and adhering to international legal standards. The move drew criticism from some quarters, with the Alliance of Naysayers on X pointing out the government’s silence on the Gaza crisis during Starmer’s troop address, highlighting the competing demands on UK foreign policy.
Starmer’s leadership is thus defined by a dual focus: reinforcing military commitments to Ukraine while navigating domestic and international pressures on other fronts. His visit to the army base, paired with strategic partnerships like the one with New Zealand, positions the UK as a key player in global security. As Starmer continues to champion Ukrainian resilience, his government’s actions will be closely watched, both by allies and critics, in a world where every decision carries significant geopolitical weight.
