What Ukraine and the UK Have Agreed on in Their 100-Year Partnership

In a surprise visit to Kyiv on January 16, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to sign this landmark 100-year comprehensive partnership agreement. While the century-long timeline carries symbolic weight, the message is clear: the United Kingdom is committing to long-term support for Ukraine, both independently and as a leader in Europe’s unified response to Russian aggression.

The agreement was accompanied by tangible steps toward collaboration.

Financial aid

• The UK has pledged an annual contribution equivalent to $3.6 billion to meet Ukraine’s military needs. This support will continue for as long as necessary, with no set expiration.

• The UK will also transfer approximately $3 billion from frozen Russian assets in 2025. The total financial assistance is expected to reach a minimum of $6.6 billion.

• Starmer also announced two supplemental aid packages: around $120 million for humanitarian relief and $48 million to support Ukraine’s economy. 

• Ukraine has further disclosed that the UK plans to invest in its local defense-industrial complex.

Military support

A significant aspect of the UK’s assistance is the transfer of 150 artillery systems manufactured domestically. Furthermore, Ukraine’s air defense has received an upgrade with the provision of Grateful air defense systems. These systems are co-financed by Denmark, another key partner and steadfast ally of Ukraine.

• The UK government reaffirmed its commitment to training Ukrainian troops on UK soil. This includes expanded training programs for Ukrainian aviation specialists. While details remain undisclosed, the UK will also assist in the provision of NATO-member aircraft.

• The partnership includes enhanced collaboration in long-range weaponry. Ukraine is already deploying British Storm Shadow missiles, including striking military targets on Russian territory.

• As a maritime power, the UK has solidified its partnership in ensuring Ukraine’s maritime security, focusing on the Black, Azov, and Baltic Seas. This signifies Ukraine’s readiness to integrate into Europe’s broader defense systems, moving beyond local initiatives.

• The agreement also emphasizes cooperation in the development of drones, unmanned aerial systems, and artificial intelligence.

Additional agreements

Ukraine and the UK have also signed agreements to expand cooperation in economic, cultural, and other sectors. Both nations unanimously support Ukraine’s NATO membership bid.

Some provisions of the agreements remain classified and undisclosed.

The deal between Zelenskyy and Starmer demonstrates that Russia and Vladimir Putin have failed in their objective to divide Ukraine and the West. Europe and the United States, Ukraine’s two largest partners, continue to provide financial and military support to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities and resilience.

Significantly, Ukraine and the UK have never before signed agreements of this scope, let alone with such extensive timelines. This marks a historic first for Ukraine at a critical time for the nation.

President Zelenskyy has repeatedly emphasized that sustained support for Ukraine, coupled with pressure on Russia, could help end the war this year. At the start of 2025, the US and the UK implemented the largest sanctions yet against Russia’s oil sector, and now the UK has signed a comprehensive 100-year partnership agreement.