U.K. and Ukraine to sign a treaty for 100 years of partnership on strengthening military, economic and cultural ties
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (U.K.) – Keir Starmer, arrived in Ukraine, where he will meet the President of Ukraine – Volodymyr Zelenskyy and sign a treaty for a 100-year partnership to strengthen military, economic and cultural ties.
He was greeted at Kyiv Railway Station by the U.K.’s Ambassador to Ukraine – Martin Harri, and the Ukrainian Envoy to London – Valerii Zaluzhnyi.
This is his first visit to Kyiv since taking office in July’24, signaling steadfast support for Ukraine amid geopolitical uncertainties. However, he has hosted Zelenskyy twice at Downing Street since entering office coming to power. The trip comes ahead of the United States (U.S.) President-elect – Donald Trump’s inauguration on 20th January’25. Two days ago, the Defense Minister of Germany – Boris Pistorius, had travelled to Ukraine to send a clear signal of European support for Ukraine.
Speaking on the occasion, Starmer said, “This is not just about the here and now, it is also about an investment in our two countries for the next century. [Russian President Vladimir] 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.”
The pact will focus on bolstering security across the Baltic, Black, and Azov Seas to deter Russian threats, as well as advancing cooperation in energy, critical minerals, and green steel production—key components of Ukraine’s reconstruction and sustainability efforts. The treaty will also advance cooperation in energy, critical minerals, and green steel production, the key components of Ukraine’s reconstruction and sustainability efforts.
Zelenskyy is keen to discuss firm security guarantees from key allies such as the U.K., wary that a new U.S. Administration could start pushing Ukraine to make peace with Russia. Joining North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) remains the top priority for Zelenksyy, but Ukraine also wants its allies to send peacekeepers to the country if fighting does stop, to patrol the current frontline, which could become a buffer zone in any peace agreement.
Starmer will also announce a £ 40 million (U.S. $ 49 million) aid package for Ukraine’s economic recovery. This adds to the £ 12.8 billion (U.S. $ 15.7 billion) Britain has already committed since the invasion began, making it one of Ukraine’s most vocal and consistent backers. Besides, Ukraine has already been using British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles to attack Russian military facilities far from the border.
