Ukraine and UK sign century-long partnership agreement as Starmer visits Kyiv

Sir Keir Starmer made his first visit to Kyiv as British prime minister on Thursday, during which he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the two leaders signed a 100-year cooperation, trade and strategic partnership agreement, Reuters reported.

The agreement foresees increased defence cooperation between the two countries, and aims to strengthen security in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov. The agreement also expands cooperation in the energy sector, particularly with regards to the clean energy transition.

Starmer said that the UK would supply Ukraine with a new mobile air defence system this year, which has been financed by the Danish government, and would continue to train Ukrainian servicemen. Over 50,000 Ukrainian servicemen and women have received training in the UK in the last three years.

The UK had already allocated £3 billion (€3.6 billion) in military aid to Ukraine and would provide a further £2.2 billion (€2.6 billion) as a loan, which will be paid for using the interest from frozen Russian assets held in the UK, Starmer said.

The Ukrainian capital’s air defences were activated due to an incoming Russian drone strike attack during Starmer’s trip, Reuters continued. The wreckage of one drone caused minor damage but no injuries, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.