Kyiv: Ukraine and the UK have entered into a "100 Year Partnership" agreement to enhance defense cooperation and tackle long-term maritime security threats, coinciding with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's inaugural visit to Kyiv since assuming office last year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, alongside Starmer at a news conference, hailed the agreement as a historic milestone, marking a new era in the bilateral relations between the two nations.

According to Anadolu Agency, the agreement includes a commitment from the UK to provide $3.6 billion in annual military aid to Ukraine for as long as necessary. Additionally, Ukraine plans to allocate $3 billion from frozen Russian assets to further support its defense initiatives. The economic burden of the Russia-Ukraine war has been substantial, with Kyiv incurring approximately $100 billion in costs over the past year, partially offset by contributions from the US and Europe, amounting to $35 billion and $25 billion, respectively.

Zelenskyy underscored the significance of Ukraine's contributions in the conflict, both in human and financial terms, and reiterated his stance of achieving peace through strength. He emphasized that Kyiv remains firm in maintaining its military capabilities and highlighted the potential role of a peacekeeping contingent as part of Ukraine's security guarantees. However, he noted that discussions regarding security guarantees are contingent on negotiations with the new US administration.

Prime Minister Starmer affirmed the UK's unwavering commitment to Ukraine, stating that the partnership extends beyond the immediate conflict and is designed to last for a century, ensuring Ukraine's freedom and prosperity. The agreement, disclosed by Ukraine's Presidential Office, aims to bolster defense collaboration between the two countries and addresses key areas such as economic and trade relations, energy, climate change, and clean energy transitions.