Ukrainian President Zelenskyy advocates for the endorsement of a century-long partnership accord with the UK
The United Kingdom and Ukraine have signed a groundbreaking 100-year partnership agreement, marking a significant extension and deepening of bilateral ties, particularly in defence and security. The agreement, which was signed on 16 January, was submitted to the Ukrainian Parliament for ratification on 2 August.
This comprehensive collaboration is set to cover a wide range of areas, including security and defence, maritime affairs, the economy, energy, justice (including international justice), countering disinformation, and more.
In the defence and security sector, the agreement includes a £2.5 billion deal for British Thales to supply over 5,000 lightweight multirole air defence missiles to Ukraine, backed by a 19-year financing agreement and UK Export Finance support. The collaboration also involves joint development and sharing of battlefield technology, boosting UK drone production for Ukraine, and intensive training of Ukrainian military personnel under the UK’s Operation INTERFLEX, with over 57,000 trained so far and funding extended through 2025. Additionally, the UK provides support to wounded Ukrainian troops via Project Renovator, involving medical rehabilitation and training.
Economically, the UK commits up to £283 million in bilateral assistance annually for Ukraine’s humanitarian, energy, stabilisation, reform, recovery, and reconstruction needs. Over £400 million is dedicated to energy security and resilience, including funding for emergency energy needs and support for Ukraine’s green energy transition. UK agencies distribute export finance guarantees to support reconstruction and defence projects, totaling several billions, facilitating UK business growth alongside aiding Ukraine.
The agreement also fosters cross-sector collaboration, notably the Defence Industrial Support Treaty signed in July 2024, export finance cover, and technological sharing that also benefits UK industry by creating and safeguarding hundreds of British jobs.
The 100-year horizon of this partnership reflects strategic intentions for enduring, robust support beyond immediate crisis responses. This partnership profoundly enhances security ties, making the UK a leading partner in Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion. It reinforces UK commitments to Ukraine’s military capability, resilience, and future stability, positioning the UK as a cornerstone supporter in the region’s security architecture.
The exact nature of the security ties to be deepened was not specified in the given paragraph, but the agreement's long-term implications for both Ukraine and the United Kingdom are expected to be substantial. The ratification of the agreement is currently under consideration by the Verkhovna Rada.
The partnership agreement between the United Kingdom and Ukraine encompasses policy-and-legislation in the realm of health, as both nations work together to counter disinformation and promote media transparency.
The comprehensive collaboration also has implications for the economy, with the UK pledging annual bilateral assistance worth up to £283 million for Ukraine's humanitarian, energy, and reconstruction needs, among other areas of focus, as stated in the general-news reports on this groundbreaking 100-year partnership.
