In a historic move, the United Kingdom and Ukraine have signed a groundbreaking 100-Year Partnership, deepening military, economic, and technological ties. The agreement, announced today during a meeting between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, sets the stage for a long-term relationship that will enhance cooperation across several vital sectors.
The partnership focuses on nine key pillars, including strengthening maritime security in the Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and Azov Sea, while also fostering innovation in fields like healthcare, agri-tech, space, and drones.
Prime Minister Starmer highlighted the importance of the partnership in his remarks: “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, but an investment in our two countries for the next century.”
The partnership also includes initiatives aimed at supporting Ukraine’s military and economic resilience, such as the launch of the £40 million TIGER programme, designed to support small and medium businesses in Ukraine. The UK will also help launch a Grain Verification Scheme to track stolen grain from occupied Ukrainian territories.
As part of the partnership, both nations will collaborate on cultural exchanges. Prime Minister Starmer is set to participate in a virtual meeting with a Ukrainian class dialing into a primary school in Liverpool, as part of a new program to link 100 schools across both countries.
The UK has committed £12.8 billion in support for Ukraine since the start of the conflict with Russia, and today’s announcement is another significant step in fortifying Ukraine’s long-term security and economic growth.
“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,” said Starmer.