Keir Starmer arrives in Kyiv for farewell visit as British PM – Europe live
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Kyiv amid public protests against President Zelenskyy's decision to fire Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Protesters allege the firing was politically motivated and driven by corruption, creating a complex diplomatic backdrop for Starmer's visit.
Why it matters
The internal political instability in Ukraine and the public backlash against leadership decisions could complicate international relations and support efforts.
I will give you a flavor of the demonstrations this morning in Kyiv against Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his bizarre decision to fire Mykhailo Fedorov, the defence minister.
A group of young people taking part in a protest against Volodymyr Zelenskyy's decision to fire defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov in Kyiv, Ukraine There are maybe 1000 people, 1000 plus, people already here in the summer sunshine right under Zelensky’s presidential office, and I’ve been talking to them about this decision.
They have basically been saying that they are furious, they are bewildered. They say Fedorov essentially represents openness and innovation and transparency, he has been very successful, and that it’s the kind of old forces, Soviet-style forces, who’ve got rid of him, and that that at heart this is about two things.
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