The European Commission president praised the prime minister’s steadfast support for Ukraine and efforts to reinforce European defense.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was among the first EU leaders to react to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s resignation announcement on Monday.
In a warm message thanking “dear Keir,” the head of the EU’s executive praised the British leader for the accomplishments achieved during his less than two years in office.
“It can take many leaders years to grow into the statesman you became in just two years,” wrote von der Leyen on X.
The Commission president made note of Starmer’s efforts to reinforce European defense during a period in which U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed doubts about NATO’s future and moved to reduce the presence of American troops in Europe. London and Brussels inked the EU–U.K. security and defense partnership last year to create a new structure for joint military cooperation.
Von der Leyen also celebrated Starmer’s support for Ukraine, which was a defining feature of his premiership. During his time in office, Starmer signed a landmark 100-year partnership agreement with Kyiv and helped launch the so-called Coalition of the Willing with French President Emmanuel Macron. Earlier this year in February, London committed an additional £200 million toward preparations for a multinational force intended to help secure any future peace deal.
“European and Ukrainian security is stronger because of you,” wrote von der Leyen. “Thank you, dear Keir.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a similarly grateful message.
“Thank you for all our cooperation, your support, and the joint decisions that have helped make our Europe and our protection of life stronger,” he wrote on X.
The Ukrainian leader said Britain had been and would remain “among the world’s leaders” and praised Starmer for being “always in touch, always engaged, and always striving to do what is needed.”
Zelenskyy added that every meeting between the two leaders had been “filled with real substance” and told the departing prime minister: “Keir, you are always a welcome guest in Ukraine.”
The warm words from Brussels and Kyiv contrast with the messaging from Washington.
Trump blasted Starmer on Truth Social on Sunday, saying he had “failed badly” on immigration and energy policy. “Keir Starmer will resign as Prime Minister of The United Kingdom,” posted Trump. “I wish him well!”