SIR KEIR STARMER committed Britain to a century-long military pact with Ukraine during a visit to Kiev today.

In a dash to ramp up backing for Ukraine in its war with Russia ahead of Donald Trump’s arrival in the White House, the Prime Minister said that “it’s very important that we ensure that Ukraine is in the strongest possible position.”

As part of that, Sir Keir announced a deal for Sheffield Forgemasters to make artillery barrels for the Ukrainian military, as well as providing a new mobile air defence system.

“We have already committed £3 billion for military aid this year and we’re going further to support the front line, providing a £2.2bn loan which will be paid back not by Ukraine, but from the interest on frozen Russian assets,” he said. 

“We’re also galvanising British industry, so today I’m pleased to announce that we’re providing 150 artillery barrels for Ukraine made by Sheffield Forgemasters.”

The PM said it was “the first time in over 20 years that these barrels were produced in the United Kingdom and they will start arriving in Ukraine in just a few weeks’ time.”

During a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Sir Keir also discussed sending British troops to Ukraine as “peacekeepers” after any ceasefire with Russia, an idea promoted by French President Emmanuel Macron.

A Downing Street spokesman said the 100-year pact was about “broadening and deepening the relationship across defence and non-military areas and enabling closer community links.”

A Stop the War Coalition spokesperson said: “Rather than talking military pacts and munitions orders, Starmer should be promoting peace and an immediate ceasefire while spending the resources on meeting problems here at home.”