2 hours ago Richard Wheeler Political reporter PA Media Sir Keir Starmer during talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) in Armenia on Sunday The UK intends to begin negotiations to join a £78bn (€90bn) European Union loan scheme seen as providing vital support for Ukraine. Sir Keir Starmer will tell the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Armenia on Monday about the UK's ambitions, which further signals the government's desire for closer ties with the EU. The prime minister said the talks are aimed at strengthening Ukraine's defences while also trying to give UK firms access to future contracts. He met Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday in Armenia, with the Ukrainian president asking Sir Keir to pass on his "best regards and thanks" to King Charles III for his "strong words" in support of Ukraine during his recent state visit to the US. The two leaders held talks in a hotel in Armenia's capital Yerevan ahead of the EPC summit, to which 48 heads of state and government have been invited.…