Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, awards Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday July 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky) Volodymyr Zelenskyy has admitted he is “afraid of changes” as Keir Starmer prepares to step down as prime minister. The outgoing PM has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine in its war against Russia throughout his two years in office. He recalled how he proudly welcomed Zelenskyy to the UK in February 2025 after the Ukrainian leader was ambushed by the Trump administration and kicked out of the Oval Office. Starmer has chosen to travel to the beleaguered country and remind Kyiv of the UK’s ongoing backing with just four days left in the job before Andy Burnham is given the keys to No.10. Zelenskyy told the press during Starmer’s visit that he is “afraid of changes” with the UK PM set to step down and French president Emmanuel Macron expected to leave office next year. He said: “Of course I’m afraid of changes, of course we are afraid because we are in the war each day. “But again the priority is the relation between nations, not just between just people. I’m sure that these relations will not change, or we have to do our best not to lose such very good relations.” “I hope we will never lose strong relations with the UK during or after the war.” Starmer replied: “You won’t.” Zelenskyy said he hopes to build “new strong relations” with the next prime minister and that he wants to have a meeting with Burnham “as soon as possible”. Zelensky also awarded Starmer the Order of Freedom honour, which is Ukraine’s highest award for a foreign person. Starmer shook Zelenskyy’s hand and said the award was “completely unexpected” and “very meaningful”, adding: “it really means a huge amount.” A Downing Street spokesperson said the PM was “grateful and deeply humbled to receive the Order of Freedom for outstanding merit, the highest honour that can be given in Ukraine to anyone from another country”. It is the second major honour the outgoing prime minister received this week for his work on the international stage. He was unexpectedly awarded Légion d’honneur by French president Emmanuel Macron, becoming the first UK PM to ever receive the historic honour. It was awarded in recognition of Starmer’s work in setting up the Coalition of the Willing, the group of countries chaired by France and the UK meant to help Ukraine. On social media, Starmer wrote: “I’ve visited Ukraine four times as Prime Minister, and I’ve seen first-hand the devastation caused by Russia’s invasion. The UK’s support for Ukraine will never waver. “That’s why we’re funding fighter jets for Ukraine, strengthening their ability to defend themselves while supporting thousands of skilled jobs in the UK. So good to see you again my friend, [Zelenskyy].” Listen to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster. Related... Tears For Keir? Emotions Run High As Starmer Bows Out With Final PMQs Ex-Civil Servant Olly Robbins To Sue Over Keir Starmer's Decision To Sack Him Trump Has Come Up With A Bizarre Reason For Keir Starmer Quitting As PM