The Deputy Prime Minister of Great Britain, David Lammy, arrived in Kiev on January 16, in a visit that reaffirms London’s strong support for Ukraine, in the midst of war with the Russian Federation. The visit was announced by the Ukrainian ambassador to the United Kingdom, Valeri Zaluzhnîi, who specified that during the visit, the Secular Partnership Forum will take place, dedicated to strategic cooperation between the two states.
“Today we will jointly organize the Secular Partnership Forum and discuss the concrete content of future cooperation between Ukraine and the United Kingdom – from economy and reconstruction to education. And, of course, with a special emphasis on security,” declared the Ukrainian ambassador.
The visit takes place exactly one year after the signing of the 100-year partnership agreement between Kiev and London – a historic document that consolidates the strategic foundations of the bilateral relationship.
Ukrainian officials emphasize that this partnership is not only symbolic but is reflected in concrete support, including in the most difficult moments of the war.
Today, the British government announced the allocation of an additional 20 million pounds for the restoration and protection of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
According to London authorities, the funds will be used for repairs, modernization, protection, and energy production, so that homes, hospitals, and schools can benefit from electricity and heating in the harsh conditions of winter.
“This decision comes at a time when hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians, including children, have been left without electricity and heating due to low temperatures and attacks on infrastructure,” the British government’s statement reads.
In addition to energy support, London will extend the school partnership program between the two countries.
Over the next three years, another 300 schools will join the initiative, offering joint educational opportunities for approximately 54,000 students from Ukraine and the UK.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the 100-year partnership with Ukraine “is a symbol of shared values and long-term commitment,” emphasizing that the bilateral relationship goes beyond the context of war and includes security, education, innovation, trade, and cultural exchanges.
Exactly 34 years ago, Ukraine and the UK established diplomatic relations on January 10, 1992, and since then cooperation has steadily deepened – from joint scientific projects to political, military, and humanitarian support. Officials in Kiev affirm that this support will remain “an unforgettable page” in the history of relations between the two states.
“Since 1992, Kiev and London have become true allies, not just in words, but in deeds. This is manifested in various areas – from the transfer to Ukraine, in 1996, of the Antarctic station “Faraday”, which is now called “Academician Vernadsky” and where Ukrainian scientists conduct joint scientific research, to the active support of the British for Ukraine during the war with Russia,” writes Valeri Zaluzhnîi, on Telegram.
Ukraine and the UK have concluded dozens of international agreements, including the Centenary Partnership Agreement, which was concluded last year and consolidates the strategic foundations for the partnership between the two states.
“I believe that many more years of mutually beneficial cooperation await us. Especially considering the efforts that the UK is currently making for the peace process and security guarantees for Ukraine. Ukrainians will always remember this support in the most difficult moment for us,” Zaluzhnîi pointed out.