Ukraine and United Kingdom sign agreement on 100-year partnership

The agreement was signed by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who arrived in Kyiv the day before on an unannounced visit, Ukrinform reports.

“Today is a truly historic day. Relations between Ukraine and the UK are closer than ever. We have reached a new level, it is more than a strategic relationship. We have signed an agreement on a 100-year partnership,” Zelenskyy said.

What agreement provides for

The relevant document will promote military cooperation in maritime security through a new structure to strengthen security in the Baltic, Black, and Azov Seas and deter ongoing Russian aggression.

It will also bring together experts to develop scientific and technological partnerships in areas such as health and disease, agricultural technology, space, and drones, and to build friendships through training projects.

In addition, a new British-developed grain verification scheme will be launched to track stolen grain from the occupied Ukrainian territories.

The document also cements the UK's position as Ukraine's priority partner in the energy sector, critical minerals extraction strategy, and green steel production.

“From working together on the world stage to breaking down barriers to trade and growth and nurturing cultural links, the mutually beneficial partnership will see the UK and Ukraine advocate for each other to renew, rebuild and reform for generations to come,” the British government said.

The British Foreign Office also emphasized that the 100-year partnership is an important step in supporting Ukraine's long-term security by ensuring that it will never again be vulnerable to the brutality inflicted by Russia. The agreement commits the UK to stand shoulder to shoulder with a sovereign Ukraine for the next century.

Agreement's content

The Office of the President of Ukraine has already released the content of one hundred year partnership agreement.

The document states that NATO membership is the best guarantee of Ukraine's security, and the United Kingdom strongly supports Ukraine's irreversible path to NATO membership.

It is stated that the parties will develop areas of importance to Euro-Atlantic peace and stability that go beyond war, recognizing Ukraine's important role in defending Euro-Atlantic security and paying particular attention to interoperability and Ukraine's contribution as a future NATO ally.

It is recognized that Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction are vital to success on this path and that together, the parties can lead in many key sectors, upholding shared values, open and inclusive societies, and ensuring opportunities for all.

For its part, Ukraine will continue to build its capacity and ability to prevent and combat corruption in the public and private sectors in line with its commitments under the agreement.

At the same time, the parties agreed on the following:

• Strengthening defense capabilities.
• Strengthening security and reaching a consensus on Ukraine's membership in NATO.
• Building a partnership in maritime security.
• Strengthening economic and trade cooperation.
• Strengthening cooperation in the field of energy, climate, and transition to clean energy.
• Strengthening cooperation in the field of justice and prosecution.
• Countering foreign information manipulation and interference.
• Strengthening positions as leaders in science, technology, and innovation.
• Utilizing the potential of socio-cultural ties.
• Cooperation on migration issues.

The document states that where conditions for well-managed and safe mobility exist, the parties will take gradual steps to facilitate the travel of citizens and visits to each other's countries, and will establish regular contacts and exchange of information on migration outcomes and political intentions.

It is provided that the parties may conclude additional agreements or arrangements that are necessary and appropriate for the implementation of this agreement.

This agreement shall enter into force on the date of receipt by the parties of the last notification of the completion of their domestic procedures necessary for its entry.

It will remain in force for 100 years unless terminated by either party. It may also be amended, and any disputes concerning the interpretation or application of this agreement will be resolved through consultations between the parties and may not be referred to any national or international tribunal, court, or third party for resolution.

Cooperation between Ukraine and United Kingdom

The UK provides comprehensive assistance to Ukraine and is one of its key allies in supporting the Ukrainian Defense Forces. London has already provided £12.8 billion in military and civilian aid to Kyiv during the war and trained tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers.

In January 2024, Ukraine and the United Kingdom have already signed one bilateral agreement on security cooperation. It is valid for 10 years. It provides guarantees of financial, military, and other types of support.

It stipulates that if Russia ever invades Ukraine again, the United Kingdom undertakes to provide rapid and sustained security assistance, modern military equipment in all necessary areas, and economic assistance in such circumstances. It also undertakes to impose economic and other sanctions on Russia.

However, after the signing of these guarantees with London, Kyiv announced that, in particular, an agreement on a Ukrainian-British partnership for 100 years was being prepared based on this document. The Office of the President of Ukraine called this a historic step. A series of negotiations preceded the signing of this agreement.

As explained in the Office of the President of Ukraine, unlike the 10-year security agreement, the 100-year partnership agreement contains more ambitious goals of cooperation between Ukraine and the UK.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, commenting on the 100-year agreement, said it was unprecedented.