European leaders in Ukraine on the verge of Trump's inauguration...Jiwon, what's your future?

[Anchor]
Amid the imminent launch of the second Trump administration in the U.S., leaders from major European countries visited Ukraine one after another to convey their continued support.

Long-term security guarantees are expected to be assessed depending on the situation of the previous negotiations, which will be mediated after Trump takes office.

Correspondent Jo Su-hyun of London reports.

[Reporter]
On the 16th, four days before the inauguration of the Trump administration.

Prime Minister Starmer of the United Kingdom, one of Ukraine's largest donors, made a surprise visit to Kyiv.

Mr. Starmer signed an agreement with Mr. Zelensky that Britain would support Ukraine's security guarantees over the next 100 years.

It includes strengthening maritime security cooperation against Russia and cooperating in drone projects.

[Kier Starmer / Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (last 16): The United Kingdom will be with Ukraine. We will be together for 100 years, not just today, not tomorrow, but this year and next year.]

The German and Italian defense ministers also visited Ukraine, respectively, and French President Macron spoke to President Zelenskyy on the phone to reassure Ukraine.

The move by European leaders seems to be intended to dispel concerns that Western support could weaken after the inauguration of the Trump administration.

It also aims to put Ukraine in the most advantageous position in preparation for future end-of-war negotiations.

While sending peacekeepers from Western countries is being discussed as a realistic way to ensure security, observers say that Trump may eventually determine Ukraine's future.

[Kier Giles / Senior Researcher at the Royal Institute for International Studies (YTN Interview): The concern is that Trump could use American influence to force Ukraine to make concessions. This stops a big skirmish and could be a temporary achievement for Trump, but it could be fatal for Ukraine's long-term future.]

What Ukraine wants is NATO membership, but Russia is in a position to cease the ceasefire only if it bans it, and Trump is also negative about joining NATO.

Amid European countries' support efforts, it will be necessary to wait and see whether Trump will come up with a deal favorable to Ukraine or Russia.

I'm Jo Suhyun of YTN in London.



Filming: Yoo Hyun-woo