Britain and Ukraine sign landmark 100-Year agreement, cementing partnership
Britain and Ukraine have cemented their partnership with a historic 100-year agreement, announced during a joint press conference in Kyiv. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, on his first visit to Ukraine since taking office, joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the presidential palace to unveil the deal.
The agreement underscores Britain’s commitment to Ukraine, with an immediate pledge of $3.6 billion in military aid, alongside plans to collaborate in culture, education, science, and technology.
Military Assistance and Economic Provisions
Prime Minister Starmer revealed that $2.6 billion of the aid will come as a loan, repaid through interest on frozen Russian assets. Britain will also supply Ukraine with 150 artillery gun barrels and a mobile air defense system to bolster Kyiv’s fight against Russian aggression.
Starmer highlighted the importance of international support, particularly praising the United States for its critical role in Ukraine’s resistance.
U.S. Perspective and Changing Dynamics
The announcement comes amid uncertainty surrounding future U.S. support for Ukraine, with President-elect Donald Trump expressing skepticism about continued military aid. Trump’s incoming Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has called for a ceasefire and a negotiated resolution, citing the immense destruction in Ukraine and the prolonged stalemate.
Rubio emphasized that while military aid remains essential, Ukraine faces challenges in recruiting and training sufficient troops. He also noted that a full restoration of pre-war borders might be unrealistic in the current conflict.
A Vision for Long-Term Partnership
Beyond military assistance, the Britain-Ukraine agreement signifies a broader commitment to rebuilding Ukraine and fostering shared progress. Starmer called the deal a testament to the “affection between our two nations” and a step toward ensuring Ukraine’s resilience for generations to come.
President Zelenskyy, while cautious about predicting U.S. policy under Trump, reaffirmed Ukraine’s determination to secure robust international support. [VOA News]
Ken Bredemeier and Chris Hannas contributed to this report. Some information came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
