Starmer strengthens UK‑Ukraine ties with historic treaty
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, visited Kyiv to discuss security issues with President Zelensky and sign a "100-Year Partnership" treaty. The visit aims to strengthen relations between the countries.
Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit to meet with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky. The main goal of the talks is to ensure Ukraine's security and sign the "100-Year Partnership" treaty. Starmer emphasised that Putin's ambitions to detach Ukraine from its allies have failed.
"Putin's ambition to wrench Ukraine away from its closest partners has been a monumental strategic failure," stated Starmer. The Prime Minister noted that the relations between the UK and Ukraine are currently better than ever, and the new treaty will elevate this friendship to a higher level.
According to a statement from the British government, the treaty includes three key points: strengthening security in the Baltic, Azov, and Black Seas, sharing experiences in various fields, and a new version of the Grain Verification Scheme programme. Starmer also announced a new support package for Ukraine, including weapons, military equipment, and economic aid.
One hundred schools from the UK and Ukraine will collaborate as part of the new partnership programme. Starmer will visit one of these schools, where British children form relationships with their Ukrainian peers. The Prime Minister also announced support for small and medium-sized enterprises through private loans totalling £40 million.
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, the United Kingdom has supported Ukraine worth £13 billion, including £8 billion in military aid.
