A year ago, the Declaration on a Century of Partnership between Ukraine and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was signed.
The agreement sets the framework for cooperation over the next 100 years. It covers a wide range of areas—from defense and security to the economy, energy, science, and education—but the security and defense component forms its core.
The agreement established the UK’s long-term commitments to supporting Ukraine’s defense capabilities. This includes stable annual military aid of £3 billion and London’s readiness to maintain this level of support for as long as necessary to guarantee Ukraine’s security. This approach marks a shift from ad hoc assistance to predictable and systematic support.
Special attention in the agreement is given to the training and development of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ capabilities. The UK has committed to expanding programs for training Ukrainian personnel, particularly in aviation, and to helping supply Ukraine with modern weapons and equipment in coordination with partners and allies.
An important part of the century-long partnership is defense-industrial cooperation. The document envisions the development of joint projects in weapons production, including unmanned systems, artillery, and other high-tech solutions. This lays the foundation for strengthening Ukraine’s defense industry and reducing dependence on external suppliers in the medium and long term.
The agreement also reaffirmed the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic course. Both sides agreed to deepen interoperability between the Ukrainian Armed Forces and NATO forces and to consider Ukraine’s future NATO membership as a key factor for long-term stability and security in Europe.
A separate section of the document is devoted to maritime security. Ukraine and the UK agreed to cooperate on strengthening security in the Black, Azov, and Baltic Seas, which is critical for protecting maritime communications, freedom of navigation, and the region’s economic stability.
The anniversary of the signing of the Century Partnership Agreement is an opportunity to emphasize that this is not a political declaration or a short-term gesture of solidarity, but a strategic choice with long-term commitments. The agreement has become a symbol of deep trust between Kyiv and London and an important element in building a resilient security system for Ukraine amid ongoing Russian aggression.
