The U.K. and Ukraine will sign a historic 100-year partnership following British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to Kyiv on January 16, according to the British government.
The new treaty will strengthen relations between the two countries in terms of defense, healthcare, science, the economy and more.
Newsweek reached out to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the U.K.'s Cabinet Office for comment via email. Newsweek also reached out to the Trump transition team for comment via email outside of business hours.
Why It Matters
The 100-year partnership between the U.K. and Ukraine is significant because it guarantees Kyiv security from one of its closest NATO allies for decades to come, which will make peace negotiations with Russia easier. Further, the signing of the agreement comes just days prior to President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration. Concerns have been raised about the U.S.' continued support for Ukraine as Trump has previously said he wants to end the war with Russia quickly.
What To Know
The century-long partnership between the U.K. and Ukraine will cement military ties and bolster Kyiv's defense against Russia by collaborating on maritime security through a new framework to strengthen Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and Azov Sea security. The agreement will also bring together experts to advance science and technology by coming up with solutions for healthcare and disease, agri-tech, space, and drones. It also allows for the U.K.'s Grain Verification Scheme to be launched to track stolen grain from occupied Ukrainian territories.
The partnership agreement comes with an additional £40 million ($49 million) for a new economic recovery program called TIGER (Triggering Investment Growth and Economic Resilience), which is meant to aid the growth of small and medium businesses and build up the Ukrainian economy.
London's has already provided Ukraine with aid worth £12.8 billion, including £7.8 billion of military assistance. The U.K. has not only provided weapons, but military training for 51,000 Ukrainian soldiers through the program Operation Interflex.
The U.K. has been one of Ukraine's strongest supporters alongside the U.S. and Germany since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, not only providing military and financial aid, but also funds for humanitarian aid and reconstruction, supporting energy needs, and welcoming more than 200,000 Ukrainian refugees into the country. The U.K. has also imposed numerous sanctions on Russia and provided funds for Kyiv's domestic war crimes investigations.
The signing of the partnership with Kyiv follows reports of Starmer and Zelensky planning to discuss the idea of sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine alongside France. French President Emmanuel Macron has been speaking to the Ukrainian president about "practical steps" to do this, and Trump has voiced his support for European peacekeepers in the region.
What People Are Saying
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "Putin's ambition to wrench Ukraine away from its closest partners has been a monumental strategic failure. Instead, we are closer than ever, and this partnership will take that friendship to the next level. This is not just about the here and now, it is also about an investment in our two countries for the next century, bringing together technology development, scientific advances and cultural exchanges, and harnessing the phenomenal innovation shown by Ukraine in recent years for generations to come.
"The power of our long-term friendships cannot be underestimated. Supporting Ukraine to defend itself from Russia's barbaric invasion and rebuild a prosperous, sovereign future, is vital to this government's foundation of security and our Plan for Change. Through this partnership, we are creating a strong economy that works for the British people, a safe country that protects our interests at home and abroad, and a prosperous society."
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Lesia Vasylenko, a Ukrainian MP, wrote: "Excited to welcome @10DowningStreet @Keir_Starmer in #Kyiv. Very meaningful to have this visit pre #US inauguration. Also excited to see final version of the 100 year #UK #Ukraine partnership."
In an interview with Sky News, Kira Rudnik, a Ukrainian MP, said: "It will mean that strategically, we will be moving together. Ukraine will be sharing its experience on the battlefield and it's not only that the U.K. will support Ukraine in hard times, but Ukraine also will support the United Kingdom whenever and wherever it is possible, which includes using the experience of our army in any future battlefields that will be required. So it is a very strategic operation, first and foremost in the defense sector, but it is also in the economy and education, in the general development of both countries. And again, right now, we are talking that Ukraine needs the support, but we know that we will pay back whenever it will be possible."
What Happens Next
Ukraine's century-long partnership with the U.K. may make peace negotiations with Russia easier, as well as reconstruction after the war concludes. The partnership between the two countries may also aid Ukraine's push to join NATO.
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