On Thursday, Ukraine and the United Kingdom signed a “100-Year Partnership” agreement to deepen cooperation in defense and address long-term maritime security threats and challenges, as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Kyiv for his first visit since taking office last year.
“Today is truly historic. The relationship between Ukraine and the United Kingdom is closer than ever. We have reached a new level – this is more than a strategic partnership. We have signed a 100-year partnership agreement,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a press conference with Starmer.
Zelensky stated that Kyiv and London agreed on an annual military aid package worth $3.6 billion for as long as needed. He also mentioned preparations for securing an additional $3 billion from revenues derived from frozen Russian assets.
Zelensky noted that the Russia-Ukraine war had cost Kyiv approximately $100 billion over the past year — $40 billion of which was contributed from its own budget, while $35 billion and $25 billion were provided by the U.S. and Europe, respectively.
“This is approximately the contribution of each of us. Therefore, we see strength in this unity and demonstrate the contribution that Ukraine is making. Of course, these are people, but you also see the percentage in terms of money,” he said.
The Ukrainian president reiterated his position of “peace through strength” regarding the resolution of the conflict, stating that Kyiv would not reduce the size of its army.
Regarding security guarantees for Kyiv, Zelensky mentioned that the deployment of a peacekeeping contingent in Ukraine could be part of these guarantees.
“We do not consider security guarantees for Ukraine without the United States, so it is too early to discuss the details. We have not yet had a substantive discussion about security guarantees with the new U.S. administration.”
“This is all ahead of us. Only after these negotiations will we understand the security structure we want for Ukraine,” he added.
Starmer said, “We are with you not just today or tomorrow, for this year or the next, but for 100 years after this terrible war has ended, and Ukraine is free and flourishing again.”
The agreement was signed during Starmer’s unannounced visit to Kyiv.
The agreement, published by the Ukrainian Presidential Office, will strengthen defense cooperation between the two countries, addressing long-term maritime security threats and challenges.
It will also enhance cooperation in areas such as economy and trade, energy, climate change, and the transition to clean energy.
