BTN News: In a historic move that underscores Ukraine’s determination to safeguard its sovereignty for generations to come, the country has officially initiated talks with the United Kingdom on establishing a groundbreaking century-long partnership. This extraordinary agreement aims to solidify the alliance between Kyiv and one of its most steadfast military allies, setting a precedent for international defense cooperation. As Ukraine faces ongoing aggression from Russia, the proposed 100-year partnership is seen as a necessary step to ensure long-term stability and security in the region.
The announcement came from the office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, revealing that the first round of negotiations has been successfully conducted. The talks were spearheaded by Andriy Yermak, the head of the Presidential Office, who expressed profound gratitude to the United Kingdom for its unwavering support since the Russian invasion began in February 2022. Yermak praised the UK’s consistent backing under both the Conservative and Labour governments, highlighting the depth of the bilateral relationship.
“We are deeply thankful to the people, government, and Parliament of the United Kingdom for the crucial assistance and leadership we’ve received since the onset of Russia’s large-scale invasion,” Yermak stated. “The UK was the first nation to sign a security agreement with Ukraine, and now it is taking the lead in crafting a historic document that will anchor our partnership for the next 100 years.”
This proposed century-long association, first discussed during a visit to Kyiv by then-Foreign Secretary David Cameron in May, builds upon the 2020 Political Cooperation, Free Trade, and Strategic Partnership Agreement, as well as the 2024 Security Cooperation Agreement. The latter, signed in January 2024, formalized the UK’s commitment to continually supplying Ukraine with the necessary equipment and training to “deter and defend against future attacks.” Downing Street has described this agreement as “the first step in developing an unbreakable century-long alliance” between the two nations.
Yermak stressed the importance of sustained support from the UK to help Ukraine “restore justice, peace, and prevent further aggressions.” He expressed optimism about the negotiations, hoping they would swiftly lead to the signing of this historic document by President Zelensky and the UK Prime Minister.
The United Kingdom has emerged as one of Ukraine’s most significant supporters throughout the conflict, trailing only behind the United States, the European Union, and Germany in terms of total governmental aid, according to the Kiel Institute. This robust support has not only provided critical military and humanitarian assistance but has also reinforced the strategic partnership between the two nations.
In mid-July, President Zelensky visited the United Kingdom, where he met with newly elected Prime Minister Keir Starmer. During their meeting, Zelensky extended his heartfelt thanks to the UK for its crucial support, which he credited with helping Ukraine defend its freedom and democracy. The Ukrainian leader acknowledged the immense contribution of the British people and government in sustaining the resilience of the Ukrainian population amidst ongoing hostilities.
Following their meeting, the UK government issued a statement underscoring the growing industrial-scale nature of the war in Ukraine. “The war in Ukraine has evolved into a conflict of industrial production. The government and industry are united in our shared commitment to Ukraine, and together, we are laying the foundations for our 100-year partnership,” the statement read.
As negotiations continue, the world watches closely as Ukraine and the United Kingdom work towards finalizing a century-long agreement that could redefine defense alliances in the 21st century. This ambitious partnership not only seeks to secure Ukraine’s borders for the foreseeable future but also symbolizes a steadfast commitment to upholding democratic values and resisting aggression in an increasingly volatile global landscape.