Empoword Journalism

UK Signs 100-Year Pact With Ukraine

Poppy Cottle-Bailey
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer shakes hands with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Poppy Cottle-Bailey

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has signed a 100-year pact with Ukraine on his first visit to the country since entering office.

On 16th January, Starmer met President Zelenskyy in Kyiv. The pair signed a partnership, first discussed under the Conservatives, promising to build on the £12.8 billion already given to Ukraine.  

It offers support across a variety of sectors, from maritime security and drone technology to healthcare and economic aid. 

Russia Gains Ground

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is reaching the end of its third year. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, an estimated 1 million people have been killed or wounded. According to the BBC, Russian forces are currently advancing faster than at any previous stage of the invasion.

Whilst meeting at the Mariinsky Palace, Starmer and Zelenskyy were interrupted by explosions and air raid sirens. Starmer said the sirens were “a reminder of the daily attacks and the resolve of the Ukrainian people,” according to the BBC.

“The UK will continue to train Ukrainian forces.”

Zelenskyy praised the UK’s commitment to Ukraine amid concerns the US, Ukraine’s biggest financial backer, might reduce aid.

According to the Atlantic Council, Ukrainians have appeared apprehensive of the potential role of the recently inaugurated Donald Trump, who could pressure Ukraine to make peace with Russia.

UK Strengthens Support

While Starmer has not confirmed UK troop deployment to Ukraine, the UK will continue to train Ukrainian forces. So far, more than 50,000 Ukrainian troops have been trained on British soil.

Starmer has also committed to delivering a new UK-designed mobile air defence system, which will be jointly funded by the UK and Denmark.

During the visit, Starmer and Zelenskyy laid wreaths in the countries’ national colours at a memorial near St. Michael’s Monastery.

Starmer also toured a rehabilitation ward, specialising in treating burns, which is supported by the British Red Cross. Starmer described the injuries as “a grim reminder of the heavy price that Ukraine is paying,” according to the BBC.

The announced partnership, which consists of a treaty and a political declaration, will go before Parliament in the coming weeks.

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Featured image courtesy of Number 10 via Flickr. No changes were made to this image. Image license can be found here.

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