Starmer pledged to provide Ukraine with a new air defense system, Grateful, developed in collaboration with Denmark.

The relationship between Ukraine and the United Kingdom is currently closer than ever. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelensky after talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who visited Ukraine for the first time in his position, as reported by the press service of the head of state.

According to Zelensky, Ukraine and the UK have reached a new level of relations today and signed a 100-year partnership agreement.

During the leaders' negotiations in Kyiv, air defense forces were operational. This, in Volodymyr Zelensky's opinion, outlines the main task – to strengthen the Ukrainian air shield.

“We agreed on at least $3.6 billion in annual military assistance for Ukraine – as much as is needed. Additionally, we prepared a decision for another $3 billion from Russian assets. In total, we have 6.6 billion from Britain just for this year,” the head of state added.

The president also emphasized that the United Kingdom supports Ukraine's NATO membership.

Keir Starmer, for his part, noted: “We are absolutely clear that a just and lasting peace comes through strength. We are working with allies to repel aggression, uphold international law, and strengthen you now. In 2025, the United Kingdom will provide more military assistance to Ukraine than ever before,” the British Prime Minister stressed.

Keir Starmer announced that the United Kingdom will supply Ukraine with artillery and a new mobile air defense system.

“I am pleased to announce today that we are providing 150 artillery pieces manufactured in the United Kingdom, which will be able to be delivered to Ukraine in just a few weeks. We will also supply a new mobile air defense system called Grateful, which is co-financed with Denmark,” said Keir Starmer.

He also mentioned further plans for training Ukrainian servicemen in collaboration with allies.

“The history of the 21st century is being defined right now. Our strength now is to put it on the right path,” he concluded.

Background. As reported, the United Kingdom and Ukraine have signed a 100-year partnership agreement. This is intended to build strong ties between the two countries across the entire spectrum of relations: from trade, security, and defense to science and technology, education, culture, and more.