U.K. leader Starmer signs '100-year partnership' agreement with Ukraine during trip to Kyiv

UK and Ukraine sign 100-year partnership agreement to bolster defense and security against Russian aggression.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a 100-year partnership agreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday (January 15, 2025), part of a European show of support and promises to keep helping Ukraine endure in its nearly three-year war with Russia.

The announcement came days before Donald Trump is sworn in as U.S. President with scepticism of America's military burden in Europe and what he says is a plan to end the continent's biggest conflict since World War II.

“We are with you not just today or tomorrow, for this year or the next, but for 100 years — long after this terrible war is over and Ukraine is free and thriving once again,” Mr. Starmer told Mr. Zelensky during a visit to Kyiv, promising that the U.K. would "play our part" in guaranteeing Ukraine's post-war security.

Mr. Starmer said the landmark century-long agreement commits the two sides to cooperate on defence — especially maritime security against Russian activity in the Baltic Sea, Black Sea and Sea of Azov — and on technology projects including drones, which have become vital weapons for both sides in the war.

The treaty also includes a system to help track stolen Ukrainian grain exported by Russia from occupied parts of the country.

Ukraine's alignment with the West, and potential future membership in NATO, have angered Russian President Vladimir Putin, who still wants to exert influence over the independent nation.

While Mr. Starmer was meeting with Mr. Zelensky at the presidential palace, debris from Russian drones shot down by Ukraine's air defences fell in at least four districts of Kyiv, according to city administration chief Tymur Tkachenko. One was close to the Baroque presidential palace where the two men met.