Ukraine, UK sign landmark 100-year partnership agreement

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a historic 100-year partnership agreement in Kyiv, solidifying the two nations’ commitment to long-term cooperation across multiple sectors.

The comprehensive agreement spans defence, energy, trade, science, culture, and beyond, building upon previous agreements, including the 2020 trade and partnership deal and the bilateral security pact signed in January 2024, Caliber.Az reports citing Ukrainian media.

The partnership includes ten key pillars.

Prime Minister Starmer expressed strong support for Ukraine’s efforts, stating, “(Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s ambition to wrench Ukraine away from its closest partners has been a monumental strategic failure," Starmer said in a statement.

"Instead, we are closer than ever, and this partnership will take that friendship to the next level."

This visit marks Starmer’s second trip to Kyiv and the first since his election as prime minister in July 2024. The discussions also reportedly included plans for the potential deployment of an international peacekeeping force in Ukraine following a ceasefire, a topic expected to be further explored in the coming months.

The UK has been one of Ukraine’s largest military supporters, having pledged £12.8 billion in military and civilian aid since Russia’s full-scale invasion. Additionally, the UK has trained more than 50,000 Ukrainian troops on British soil. During his visit, Starmer is expected to announce an additional £40 million (€47.4 million) in aid to support Ukraine’s post-war economic recovery.

However, the UK’s contribution is relatively small compared to that of the United States, and concerns loom over the future of American support under President-elect Donald Trump. Trump has expressed his intent to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and has indicated his desire to end the war swiftly, raising uncertainty about the US’ continued role in Ukraine’s defence.

By Vafa Guliyeva