The UK and Ukraine have signed a 100-year partnership agreement. It aims to build strong ties between the two countries across the full spectrum of relations: from trade, security and defence, to science and technology, education, culture and more.
The corresponding agreement was signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit the day before.
“Today is a truly historic day. Relations between Ukraine and Great Britain are closer than ever. We have reached a new level, this is more than a strategic relationship. We have signed an agreement on a 100-year partnership,” Zelenskyy said.
What does the agreement provide?
The relevant document will promote military cooperation between countries in maritime security through a new structure to strengthen security in the Baltic, Black and Azov Seas and deter ongoing Russian aggression.
It will also bring together experts to develop scientific and technological partnership in areas such as health and disease, agricultural technology, space and drones, as well as for building friendships through educational projects.
In addition, a new British-developed grain inspection scheme will be launched to tracking stolen grain from the occupied Ukrainian territories.
The document also consolidates the UK's position as a priority partner for Ukraine. in the energy sector, strategies for the extraction of critical minerals and the production of “green” steel.
“From working together on the global stage to breaking down barriers to trade and growing and developing cultural ties, the UK and Ukraine will stand together to renew, rebuild and reform for future generations,” the British government said.
The British department also stressed that the 100-year partnership is “an important step in supporting Ukraine’s long-term security,” ensuring that “it will never again be vulnerable to the cruelty inflicted on it by the Russian Federation.” The agreement commits Britain to stand shoulder to shoulder with a sovereign Ukraine for the next century.
Content of the agreement
The Office of the President of Ukraine has already published the contents of the century-long partnership agreement.
The document states that NATO membership is the best guarantee of its security and the United Kingdom strongly supports Ukraine's irreversible path to NATO membership.
It is recognized that the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine are vital to success on this path and that together the parties can be leaders in many key sectors, championing shared values, open and inclusive societies, and providing opportunities for all.
In turn, Ukraine will continue to build its capacity and capability to prevent and combat corruption in the public and private sectors, in accordance with its commitments under the agreement.
At the same time, the parties agreed on the following:
- Strengthening defense capabilities.
- Strengthening security and achieving consensus on Ukraine's membership in NATO.
- Building partnerships in the field of maritime security.
- Strengthening economic and trade cooperation.
- Strengthening cooperation in the field of energy, climate and the transition to clean energy.
- Strengthening cooperation in the field of justice and prosecution.
- Counteracting foreign information manipulation and interference.
- Strengthening our positions as leaders in science, technology and innovation.
- Using the potential of socio-cultural ties.
- Cooperation on migration issues.
Cooperation between Ukraine and Great Britain
The UK has been a key ally in supporting Ukraine's defence forces, providing £12,8bn in military and civilian aid to Kyiv during the war and training tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers.
Recall that in January 2024, Ukraine and the United Kingdom have already signed one bilateral agreement on security cooperation. Its term is 10 years. It provides for guarantees of financial, military and other types of support.
It stipulates that if Russia ever invades Ukraine again, the United Kingdom under such circumstances undertakes to provide rapid and ongoing security assistance, modern military equipment in all necessary areas, as well as economic assistance. As well as to impose economic and other sanctions on the Russian Federation.
However, after signing these guarantees with London, Kyiv announced that, in particular, on the basis of this document, preparations were being made to conclude an agreement on a Ukrainian-British partnership for 100 years. The OP called this step “historic.” And the signing of this agreement was preceded by a series of negotiations.