Official announcements from the UK Ministry of Defence or Ukrainian government

Starmer and Zelenskyy Sign 100-Year Partnership to Enhance Ukraine's Security with £3 Billion Annual Aid

Jan 16, 2025, 11:08 AM

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Kyiv, Ukraine, on an unannounced visit to sign a '100-Year Partnership' treaty with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The agreement aims to guarantee Ukraine's security for the next century, covering areas such as defense, science, energy, and trade. This visit, Starmer's first to Ukraine since becoming Prime Minister in July, comes days before Donald Trump's inauguration as U.S. President. The UK has pledged significant support to Ukraine, including £12.8 billion in military and civilian aid since Russia's invasion nearly three years ago, and has trained over 50,000 Ukrainian troops. Starmer announced an additional £40 million for Ukraine's post-war economic recovery. The treaty also seeks to enhance military collaboration on maritime security in the Baltic, Black, and Azov Seas, and includes cooperation on drone technology and tracking stolen Ukrainian grain. The partnership aims to strengthen ties between the UK and Ukraine, reflecting a long-term commitment to Ukraine's security and resilience. Additionally, the UK has committed to providing £3 billion annually in military aid, a £2.2 billion loan backed by profits on frozen Russian assets, 150 artillery barrels, and a new mobile air defense system. Discussions also touched on the possibility of deploying peacekeepers to Ukraine.