Kyiv’s Motherland Monument Lit in UK and Ukraine Colors to Mark 100-Year Partnership

The agreement was signed one year earlier, on January 16, 2025, by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. At the time, Starmer said the deal was “not just about the here and now,” calling it “an investment in our two countries for the next century,” while Zelenskyy described it as “a truly historic day,” saying relations between Ukraine and the UK were now “closer than ever.”

The ceremony at the Motherland Monument was attended by the UK Ambassador to Ukraine, Neil Crompton, who said the defense relationship between the two countries had “brought us closer together during the war,” describing the 100-year partnership as “a manifestation of the strong people-to-people friendship” between Ukrainians and the the people of the UK.

The partnership set out a broad framework for cooperation in defense, economic recovery, science and technology, cultural ties, among other areas. It includes an annual pledge of £3.6 billion ($4.8) in military assistance, and in 2025 UK military aid ultimately reached £4.5 billion, according to the UK Embassy in Kyiv, which called it “the largest amount in history that the UK has given.”

Beyond the national flags, the monument was illuminated with floral symbols representing what Ambassador Crompton explained were the sunflower for Ukraine, the rose for England, the thistle for Scotland, and flax for Northern Ireland. Concluding with the fourth UK symbol — the Welsh daffodil — Sir Chris Bryant, the UK Minister of Business and Trade, was invited to say a few words.

In his remarks, Bryant focused on the symbolism of the Motherland Monument, saying that a mother “defends you, protects you” and “makes sure that your people are fed, clothed and warm.” On that basis, he said the UK’s economic relationship with Ukraine was “just as important” as its military support.

Before the crowd moved outside for the light show, an embassy official noted that the illumination would not draw electricity from the city grid. “We are not using the energy from the city,” he said. “We are powered by a generator for tonight, because we know how difficult the energy situation is,” as temperatures dropped ed to around −16°C and Russian strikes continued to target thermal power plants across Ukraine.

In a lighter exchange, Ambassador Crompton was heard asking how long the monument would stay lit. “For 100 years,” one of his assistants quipped.

The monument is expected to remain illuminated on 16 January, the formal anniversary of the agreement, from 5 p.m. until 10:30 p.m., offering Kyiv residents and visitors a chance to view the display throughout the evening.

The installation is a visible reminder of the political pledge both countries made one year earlier — and of the importance of public symbolism in sustaining that commitment during wartime.

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