Boosting maritime security key part of new 100-year partnership between UK and Ukraine
Strengthening maritime security in the Baltic, Black and Azov seas will be a key focus following the signing of a historic partnership deal by the UK and Ukraine.
The agreement was signed during Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to Kyiv.
The deal sets out a framework for closer military collaboration on maritime security, addressing the growing threat to vital shipping lanes and trade routes.
"Putin's ambition to wrench Ukraine away from its closest partners has been a monumental strategic failure," the Prime Minister said.
"Instead, we are closer than ever, and this partnership will take that friendship to the next level."
Alongside this, the UK will play a key role in Ukraine's energy sector, supporting the development of green steel, critical minerals, and renewable energy projects.
The treaty also outlines plans to boost Ukraine's economic recovery.
A new £40m programme will support small and medium-sized businesses, with a focus on green industries, women-led enterprises, and veterans.
Separately, a grain verification scheme will trace stolen grain from Russian-occupied territories to help combat illegal trade.
Mr Starmer described the treaty as "an investment in our two countries for the next century", emphasising the importance of long-term collaboration in defence, science, and education.
During his visit, Mr Starmer met Ukrainian doctors working alongside NHS specialists at a Kyiv hospital treating burn victims injured by Russian missile strikes.
He also joined a virtual exchange between schoolchildren in the UK and Ukraine, part of a programme linking 100 schools from both countries to foster cultural connections.
The UK has already contributed £12.8bn in aid to Ukraine including military and humanitarian support.
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