Britain has detailed its century-long partnership agreement with Ukraine.
A new, long-term partnership between the UK and Ukraine outlines extensive plans for military infrastructure development and defense cooperation over the next 100 years. The agreement suggests the potential creation of UK military bases in Ukraine, built to NATO standards.
The 15-page agreement, signed January 16, 2025, frames UK-Ukraine cooperation across various sectors, prioritizing military collaboration. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy formalized the deal in Kyiv on Thursday.
“The Participants will explore options for deploying and maintaining defense infrastructure in Ukraine, including military bases, logistics depots, reserve military equipment storage facilities and war reserve stockpiles,” the document states.
The agreement also stresses maritime cooperation in the Black Sea, including joint naval operations, port visits, and development of Ukrainian naval bases to enhance NATO interoperability.
“We will work together to ensure NATO learns the lessons from Ukraine’s experience in the Black Sea to inform its development of future maritime capabilities. We will promote the development of naval bases on the territory of Ukraine,” the document reads.
Further plans include “deepening cooperation on long-range strike capabilities,” integrated air and missile defense, and stockpiling advanced weapons to improve “deterrence.”
The UK has also pledged at least £3 billion in annual military aid to Ukraine until 2031, and “for as long as needed to support Ukraine.”
While the agreement lacks specific, binding commitments beyond promises of increased collaboration, Zelenskyy hinted at potential “secret” clauses.
The UK has been a major supporter of Ukraine since February 2022, providing £12.8 billion ($16 billion) in military and civilian aid and training 50,000 Ukrainian troops.
Russia strongly criticized the UK’s support, viewing it as an obstacle to conflict resolution. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that the UK “is doing everything possible to prolong the conflict, thus prolonging the suffering of the Ukrainian people.”
Reports suggest President-elect Donald Trump may propose deploying Western peacekeepers along a demilitarized zone between Russia and Ukraine, excluding US troops and relying on “European” soldiers outside NATO command.
The UK remains hesitant to send troops to Ukraine for any peacekeeping force, despite Prime Minister Starmer reportedly discussing the matter with French President Emmanuel Macron, according to The Telegraph.