By: Kenneth Appiah Bani.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Ukraine on Thursday, January 16, 2025, with a historic pledge to guarantee the country’s security for the next century. This visit comes just days before Donald Trump’s inauguration as US President, amid uncertainty about the future of American support for Ukraine.
During his visit, Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are set to sign a landmark “100-Year Partnership” treaty, covering key areas such as defense, science, energy, and trade. This treaty aims to strengthen the relationship between the two nations and provide Ukraine with long-term security assurances.
The UK has been a significant supporter of Ukraine, committing £12.8 billion ($16 billion) in military and civilian aid since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Additionally, the UK has trained over 50,000 Ukrainian troops on British soil. Starmer is expected to announce an additional £40 million ($49 million) for Ukraine’s post-war economic recovery.
However, the UK’s role is dwarfed by that of the United States, which has been Ukraine’s primary supporter. With Trump’s inauguration looming, there are concerns about the future of American aid to Ukraine. Trump has expressed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin and has suggested that he wants to bring the war to a swift end.
In response to these concerns, Kyiv’s allies, including the UK, are rushing to provide as much support as possible to Ukraine before Trump’s inauguration. This includes the signing of the “100-Year Partnership” treaty, which aims to provide Ukraine with long-term security assurances.
The treaty also includes provisions for cooperation on defense, particularly maritime security against Russian activity in the Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and Sea of Azov. Additionally, the treaty covers technology projects, including drones, which have become vital weapons for both sides in the war.
Zelensky has emphasized the importance of assurances about Ukraine’s future protection from Russia, particularly in any peace negotiations. The UK’s 100-year pledge is seen as a key part of these assurances, aiming to ensure that Ukraine is “never again vulnerable to the kind of brutality inflicted on it by Russia.”
Credit: CNN
