Â鶹Çø

UK and Ukraine to agree defence partnership

The UK and Ukraine are set to agree a new partnership to deliver global defensive capability against the the proliferation of low cost, high tech military hardware, including drones.

The prime minister is set to meet with President Zelenskyy in the UK today, where the pair are expected to agree an enhanced security and defence industrial declaration, capitalising on Ukraine’s expertise and the UK’s industrial base to manufacture and supply drones and innovative capabilities.

The two countries will look at opportunities for increased defence industrial and technological cooperation with third countries, boosting international security and ensuring the latest defence technology is in the hands of those who need it most.

The UK is also set to fund a new AI Centre of Excellence that will sit within the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence. Experts will ensure AI is being utilised to its fullest to deliver a battlefield advantage.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "We must work in lockstep with our partners and allies to deliver security at home and abroad, and this new partnership with Ukraine will do just that.

"Drones, electronic warfare and rapid battlefield innovation are now central to national and economic security, and that has only been further magnified by the conflict in the Middle East.

"By deepening our defence partnerships, we are strengthening Ukraine’s ability to defend itself from Russia’s brutal, ongoing attacks, while ensuring the UK and our allies are better prepared to meet the threats of the future."

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: "Ukraine’s military expertise is defending against Putin’s brutal attacks and boosting European security, and I am proud of how the UK is stepping up support to Ukraine to achieve peace on their terms.

"The axis of aggression between Russia and Iran makes it increasingly important that we build on Ukrainian expertise and innovation, supported by British industry, and ensure that Ukrainian fighters see benefits from that as they continue to push back Putin’s illegal invasion.

"I pay tribute to the huge courage and ingenuity of the Ukrainian people – military and civilians alike – and I am determined to make 2026 the year this war ends."

Ìý

Ìý