UK's Starmer Signs 100-Year Partnership with Ukraine, Announces £40 Million Military Aid

Jan 16, 2025, 07:33 AM

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has arrived in Kyiv, Ukraine, on an unannounced visit, where he is set to sign a "100-Year Partnership" agreement, also referred to as the "Agreement of the Century," with President Volodymyr Zelensky. This marks Starmer's first trip to Ukraine since taking office. Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine's ambassador to the UK and former commander-in-chief of the armed forces, greeted Starmer upon arrival. The treaty aims to deepen cooperation between the UK and Ukraine in areas such as defense, security, trade, science, technology, energy, and culture. The agreement, which will be laid in the UK Parliament in the coming weeks, includes strengthening military collaboration, including maritime security in the Baltic Sea and Black Sea, and cooperation on technology projects, including UAVs. The UK has already provided £12.8 billion in aid to Ukraine, with an ongoing commitment of £3 billion annually. Starmer is expected to announce the allocation of £40 million in new military aid during his visit. Discussions may also involve the deployment of UK troops on the ground for training and security after a future peace deal.