Britain and Ukraine signed a 100-year cooperation agreement. It is aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries in all aspects of relations: from trade, security, and defence to science, technology, education, culture, and more.
The corresponding agreement was signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy along with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit.
"Today is truly a historic day. The relations between Ukraine and the United Kingdom are closer than ever before. We have reached a new level; this is more than strategic ties. We have signed an agreement on 100-year partnership," Zelenskyy noted.
What the agreement entails
This document will facilitate military cooperation between the countries in maritime security through the creation of a new structure to enhance protection in the Baltic, Black, and Azov Seas and deter Russian aggression.
It will also unite experts for the development of scientific and technological partnership in areas such as healthcare and disease, agrotech, the space sector, and drones, as well as strengthening friendships through educational projects.
In addition, a newly developed British scheme will be launched to verify grain for tracking stolen grain from occupied Ukrainian territories.
The document also establishes the status of the United Kingdom as a priority partner for Ukraine in the energy sector, critical mineral extraction strategy, and green steel production.
"From joint activities on the global stage to removing barriers to trade and growing cultural ties, the United Kingdom and Ukraine will support each other for recovery, building, and reform for future generations," the UK government reported.
The UK government also emphasized that the 100-year partnership is a "significant step in supporting the long-term security of Ukraine," ensuring that "it will never again be vulnerable to the same cruelty inflicted by the Russian Federation." The agreement commits Britain to supporting a sovereign Ukraine for the next century.