The United Kingdom and Ukraine have signed a historic 100-year partnership agreement aimed at strengthening ties across a wide range of areas, including trade, security and defense, science and technology, education, culture, and more.
The agreement was signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who made an unannounced visit to Kyiv.
“Today is truly a historic day. The relationship between Ukraine and the United Kingdom is closer than ever. We have reached a new level – this is more than a strategic partnership. We have signed a 100-year partnership agreement,” President Zelenskyy stated.
Prime Minister Starmer described the agreement as a “significant step in supporting Ukraine’s long-term security,” ensuring that the country will “never again be vulnerable to the brutality inflicted by Russia.”
The agreement commits the UK to standing by a sovereign Ukraine for the next century. It emphasizes NATO membership as Ukraine’s best guarantee of security and reaffirms the UK’s strong support for Ukraine’s irreversible path toward joining the alliance.
Key areas of cooperation outlined in the agreement include:
Strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Enhancing security and reaching a NATO membership consensus.
Establishing maritime security partnerships.
Expanding economic and trade cooperation.
Collaborating on energy, climate, and the transition to clean energy.
Advancing justice and accountability efforts.
Strengthening leadership in science, technology, and innovation.
Promoting social and cultural ties.
Cooperating on migration policies.
This agreement builds on the bilateral security cooperation deal signed in January 2024, which guarantees financial, military, and other forms of support for 10 years. That agreement also outlines swift and sustained UK assistance, including modern military equipment, economic aid, and sanctions against Russia, should further aggression occur.