Great Britain can assist with equipment, but their soldiers will not engage in combat - Zelenskyy's office
Image: Deputy Head of the Office of the President Ihor Zhovkva (Getty Images)
Deputy Head of the Office of the President Ihor Zhovkva stated that the United Kingdom may provide military assistance to Ukraine but will not participate in combat operations, according to the national telethon.
"This agreement is signed for 10 years, and the assistance from the United Kingdom will continue throughout this period. It does not involve soldiers, but we are confident in receiving equipment," noted Zhovkva.
According to the deputy, secure guarantees for Ukraine encompass not only military commitments but also a broad range of measures aimed at its support and security in the long term.
"Secure guarantees also include sanctions, concrete financial assistance, even assistance in the reconstruction of Ukraine after victory, freezing Russian assets, and using them for the benefit of Ukraine. These are British guarantees for companies moving through maritime corridors, including those formed by Ukraine. It's a very extensive and comprehensive agreement," explained the Deputy Head of the Office of the President.
He clarified that supplying weapons to Ukraine is important but not sufficient. It is necessary to move towards joint production of weapons with the United Kingdom.
"Indeed, it is time to transition from the stage of just supplying weapons to Ukraine—which is undoubtedly important, necessary, and will continue—to the stage of joint production of such weapons. Adequate funds are also provided for this," said Zhovkva.
The agreement is valid for 10 years but can be extended. If Ukraine joins NATO within 10 years, the security mechanisms of this agreement will be integrated into NATO's security mechanisms.
"The agreement is concluded for a 10-year period. This is the minimum period during which it will be valid. And it can be extended. It is also clearly stated: if Ukraine joins NATO before the end of the 10-year period, then the security mechanisms laid down in this bilateral agreement will simply be embedded in the security mechanism that exists in NATO for member countries," explained Zhovkva.
Aid to Ukraine from Britain
The United Kingdom has allocated the largest aid package to Ukraine since the beginning of the war, amounting to £2.5 billion.
It has been revealed that Ukraine will allocate £200 million for the production of combat drones.
