On January 16, 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Kyiv for an unannounced visit aimed at signing a comprehensive partnership agreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This agreement, described as a '100-year partnership', is set to enhance collaboration in defense, science, energy, and trade.
The partnership will bolster military cooperation, particularly in maritime security, and solidify the UK's status as a key partner for Ukraine in energy and critical mineral extraction. Starmer emphasized that the agreement reflects long-term investments and shared technological advancements between the two nations.
Starmer remarked on the strategic failure of Russian President Vladimir Putin's ambitions to sever Ukraine's ties with its Western allies, stating that the partnership illustrates a strengthened relationship. The agreement will also include measures to track stolen Ukrainian grain exported by Russia from occupied territories.
During the visit, the two leaders are expected to discuss a proposal from French President Emmanuel Macron regarding the potential deployment of Western troops in Ukraine to oversee a future ceasefire agreement. Zelensky indicated that any such deployment should coincide with Ukraine's NATO accession timeline.
In related military developments, France conducted secret military exercises involving 3,200 troops to simulate responses to a potential Russian incursion into Ukraine from Belarus. These exercises, named 'Persée', focused on the use of drones and electronic warfare capabilities, reflecting ongoing preparations amidst the conflict.
The UK has pledged substantial military and economic assistance to Ukraine, totaling £12.8 billion to date, with commitments of £3 billion annually for military support as long as necessary. Starmer's visit follows the recent election of Donald Trump as US president, which may signal shifts in international support for Ukraine.