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British Prime Minister Starmer Arrives in Kyiv to Sign a 100-Year Partnership

by Roman Cheplyk
Thursday, January 16, 2025
2 MIN
British Prime Minister Starmer Arrives in Kyiv to Sign a 100-Year Partnership

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has arrived in Kyiv to sign what is being called a 100-year partnership. He announced this on his account on the social network X, Ukrainian News reports

"Peace through strength. I am in Kyiv with a message of solidarity for the people of Ukraine: Our 100-year partnership is a promise that we will stand with you today, tomorrow, and for generations to come—long after this war ends. Ukraine will once again be free and prosperous," Starmer said.

According to the official website of the British government, during Starmer’s visit to Ukraine, a historic agreement on a 100-year partnership will be signed.

Key Points of the Agreement

  1. Military Cooperation
    Focus on maritime security through a new framework aimed at strengthening security in the Baltic, Black, and Azov seas, helping deter the threat of Russian aggression.

  2. New Grain Verification Scheme
    A new UK-funded grain verification scheme will be launched to help identify and prevent the sale of grain stolen from occupied Ukrainian territories.

  3. Energy Sector & Green Steel Production
    The agreement also cements the UK's partnership with Ukraine in the energy sector, critical infrastructure rehabilitation, and the development of green steel production.

  4. Financial Assistance
    Prime Minister Starmer also announced an additional £40 million to help rebuild Ukraine's economy. This comes on top of the already announced £12.8 billion in total British support, of which £7.8 billion is direct aid from the UK.

This is Starmer’s first visit to Ukraine since he took office on June 5, 2024.

Additional Context

  • Defense Collaboration
    Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov recently noted that the UK is funding the development of air defense and missile defense capabilities for Ukraine; London is also considering preparing long-range armor for Ukraine’s armed forces.

  • International Peacekeeping Plans
    Bloomberg reported that Prime Minister Starmer plans to discuss with Ukrainian authorities the possibility of establishing an international peacekeeping force in Ukraine after the war ends, to ensure lasting security and stability.

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