Ukraine and the UK signed a 100-year partnership agreement: what does it mean?

The leaders of Ukraine and the UK have signed a historic document that provides for 100 years of cooperation between the countries in various sectors. Find out in which sectors the countries will cooperate

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On 16 January, Ukraine and the United Kingdom signed a historic agreement on a 100-year partnership aimed at strengthening cooperation in all key areas, from defence and security to science, culture and trade. The document was signed by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer during the latter's unannounced visit to Kyiv.

‘Today is a truly historic day. We have signed an agreement on a 100-year partnership, taking our relations to a new level. This is more than just strategic cooperation,’ Zelenskyy said.

Main areas of the agreement

The document provides for long-term cooperation between the countries in the following areas:

Defence and security

- Strengthening Ukraine's defence capabilities.

- Support for Ukraine's membership in NATO.

- Joint work in the field of maritime security, including the Baltic, Black and Azov Seas, to counter Russian aggression.

Economy and trade

- Development of trade and economic cooperation.

- A new grain inspection scheme to prevent illegal trade in grain from the occupied territories.

Energy and climate

- Development of green energy and critical minerals projects.

- Production of environmentally friendly steel.

Science and technology

- Joint projects in healthcare, agro-technology, space and drone development.

- Strengthening scientific and educational ties.

Socio-cultural ties

- Exchange programmes and educational projects to strengthen friendship between peoples.

- Migration.

- Gradually simplifying the conditions for Ukrainians to enter the UK.

- Combating illegal migration and human trafficking.

The key part of the migration clause

The agreement lays the groundwork for closer cooperation on migration issues. Article 10 of the document states that the countries will facilitate the improvement of travel conditions for citizens, exchange of information on migration policy, and steps to simplify entry.

Currently, Ukrainians need to obtain a visa to enter the UK, but new simplified mechanisms may be introduced as part of the partnership.

In addition, the UK will continue to provide humanitarian and military assistance to Ukraine. To date, London has allocated more than £12.8 billion to support Kyiv and trained tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers.

The document is designed for the long term

The agreement stipulates that Ukraine and the UK will work together to rebuild Ukraine, reform key areas and strengthen Euro-Atlantic security. The document will enter into force upon completion of all procedures and will be valid for 100 years, unless either party decides to terminate it.

This step confirms the UK's status as one of Ukraine's key allies and sets a benchmark for building a long-term partnership for decades to come.

We remind you! Ukraine has signed bilateral security agreements with several countries and received new security guarantees from its partners.