Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Keir Starmer signed a joint statement after talks in London. The document states that the United Kingdom will allocate at least £3 billion annually to Ukraine through 2030/31.
The Office of the President of Ukraine published the statement.
Strategic Partnership Areas
The document outlines eight key areas of strategic dialogue between Ukraine and the United Kingdom: security, trade, transport, energy, justice, science, culture, and foreign policy. The sides held talks in each area to define cooperation priorities for the coming year.
Defense Support and Funding
The United Kingdom reaffirmed its long-term commitment to support Ukraine in security and defense. This includes annual funding of no less than £3 billion through 2030/31, as well as continued assistance “for as long as it takes.”
The statement also highlights support for Ukraine’s air defense, including London’s role in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and contributions to the PURL initiative.
Military Technology Cooperation
Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in defense technologies and arms production. The statement emphasizes the importance of Ukraine’s battlefield experience.
“We express mutual readiness to deepen multilateral cooperation… recognizing Ukraine’s unparalleled practical experience in modern warfare.”
The agreement also includes continued cooperation under the LYRA program, particularly in producing OCTOPUS interceptor drones and developing joint defense initiatives.
Economic Cooperation and Defense Industry
Ukraine and the United Kingdom will work to simplify conditions for companies, especially in exports and joint development of production capacities.
The UK will also continue training Ukrainian troops under Operation Interflex.
Context
Zelenskyy’s visit to the United Kingdom takes place amid the ongoing war with Russia and Ukraine’s need for stable long-term support from partners. During the visit, he also met King Charles III.
London remains one of Kyiv’s key allies, consistently providing military, financial, and technological assistance and playing a major role in coordinating international support for Ukraine.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that British and French paratroopers held exercises in France to prepare for deployment “anywhere in the world” following statements about potentially leading a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine.
