Zelenskyy advocates for the endorsement of acentury-long UK partner deal
The United Kingdom and Ukraine have taken a significant step in strengthening their relationship, as the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) considers the ratification of a century-long partnership agreement. Signed on 16th January 2025, the comprehensive accord establishes a long-term collaboration spanning trade, security, defense, science, education, culture, and technology.
The agreement, signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, extends the duration of the security cooperation from 10 to 100 years. A key focus is strengthening military cooperation, particularly in maritime security, through new frameworks aimed at enhancing safety in the Baltic, Black, and Azov Seas to bolster Ukraine’s defenses and counter ongoing Russian aggression.
Beyond security, the partnership includes cooperation in scientific and technological fields such as health care, agrotechnology, space, drones, and education to deepen ties between the two nations. There is also a significant legal dimension, with mutual commitments to deepen collaboration in the legal sectors, including criminal and civil justice, international justice and accountability, and investment protection.
The agreement is expected to have a profound impact on the future of the relationship between Ukraine and the United Kingdom. British investment underpins the partnership with substantial financial commitments, including a £2.5 billion guarantee supporting a 19-year financing deal for delivering over 5,000 British-made Thales Air Defence missiles to Ukraine. This defense deal not only strengthens Ukraine’s military capacity but also supports thousands of UK jobs, reflecting deep economic as well as security cooperation.
The agreement aims to foster a long-term strategic partnership between Ukraine and the United Kingdom, with a focus on trade and economic development, expanded military and maritime security cooperation, scientific and technological collaboration, legal cooperation and international justice, and large-scale British investment boosting defense and economic jobs. This framework sets the foundation for a deep and enduring bilateral relationship designed to support Ukraine’s security and development for the next century.
It's worth noting that the agreement does not mention any comments from Putin's administration regarding reports of Russians downing an Azerbaijani plane, predictions about Putin's death by Ukraine’s intelligence chief, specific events or incidents related to a Ukrainian soldier being beheaded by Russians in Donetsk Oblast, calls to Nvidia at $1.10 or any investment advice, reports of Russians downing an Azerbaijani plane, warnings from US Republican Senator Graham to his "friends in Russia", AI trading robots generating a significant return, household items for skincare, or quizzes related to weight loss goals.
The agreement was submitted to the Verkhovna Rada for ratification, marking a significant step in strengthening the relationship between Ukraine and the United Kingdom. The ratification of the agreement is a significant step in strengthening the relationship between Ukraine and the United Kingdom, signifying a commitment to a long-term, comprehensive partnership. The new agreement covers cooperation in areas such as security and defence, maritime affairs, the economy, energy, justice (including international justice), countering disinformation and more.
The ratification of the agreement, covering areas such as security, economy, justice, and scientific and technological fields, is a significant step in strengthening the relationship between Ukraine and the United Kingdom, signifying a commitment to a long-term, comprehensive partnership. The new policy-and-legislation, resulting from this agreement, is expected to have a profound impact on the general-news landscape of both countries, particularly in the sectors of trade, defense, and investment.
