What has the UK promised Ukraine in Starmer’s 100-year deal?

Fri Jan 17 15:09:09 UTC 2025: ## UK and Ukraine Sign Historic 100-Year Partnership Amidst Russian Drone Attack

**Kyiv, Ukraine** – Amidst a Russian drone attack on Kyiv, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a landmark 100-year partnership agreement with Ukraine on Thursday. The agreement pledges long-term support across various sectors, including healthcare and military technology, and guarantees of Ukrainian security following the end of the war.

The partnership, described as “historic” by Starmer’s office, will include a framework to bolster military collaboration, strengthening security in the Baltic, Black, and Azov Seas, and deterring further Russian aggression. Starmer committed to providing £3 billion ($3.6 billion) annually in military aid “for as long as it takes,” alongside £40 million ($48.7 million) for an economic recovery program. The agreement will be presented to the UK Parliament for approval in the coming weeks.

The announcement came during Starmer’s first visit to Kyiv since becoming Prime Minister. The visit coincided with a Russian drone attack, prompting air raid sirens during his meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Starmer acknowledged the attack, highlighting the ongoing threat faced by Ukraine. Zelenskyy praised the agreement, stating that UK-Ukraine relations are now “closer than ever” and that the partnership could serve as a model for future agreements.

While Starmer avoided committing to sending UK troops to Ukraine, he emphasized the UK’s commitment to ensuring Ukraine’s security and discussed the possibility of a Western peacekeeping force with allies. The agreement’s timing is significant, given concerns about the incoming US administration’s commitment to continued support for Ukraine under President-elect Donald Trump. Experts suggest the deal is a strong signal of continued UK support amidst this uncertainty. The UK’s commitment builds on previous aid, totalling £12.8 billion ($15.6 billion) since the start of the war, making it the third-largest aid donor to Ukraine.

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