British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Kyiv on January 16, where he and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy signed a landmark "100-Year Partnership" treaty aimed at deepening ties in security, energy, science, and trade.

The agreement, the first of its kind, seeks to bolster military cooperation to safeguard the Baltic, Black, and Azov Seas while countering Russian aggression, reported DW.

"Together we signed a landmark agreement, the very first of its kind, a new partnership between the UK and Ukraine that reflects the huge affection that exists between our two nations," Starmer said at a press conference in  Kyiv.

Zelenskiy hailed the accord as a "historic moment," underscoring the growing closeness between the two countries. "Today is a truly historic day, our relationship is closer than ever," he told reporters.

Starmer’s visit, his first to Kyiv as prime minister, comes as geopolitical uncertainty looms ahead of Donald Trump’s imminent return to the White House, potentially signalling a shift in U.S. support for Ukraine’s war effort.

"The UK will never let up on support for Kyiv," Starmer said, emphasising that strengthening Ukraine’s position in 2025 was a critical priority.

Speaking to broadcasters from a hospital in Kyiv, Starmer described his visit to a burns unit as a "grim reminder of the heavy price Ukraine is paying" since Russia’s invasion began in 2022.

"So we must give the necessary support, and that’s what I’m discussing with President Zelenskiy today," he said.

The precarious security situation in Ukraine was starkly evident during Starmer’s visit. Shortly after the prime minister and Zelenskiy laid flowers at a remembrance site for victims of the war, air raid sirens sounded across Kyiv.

The Kyiv Independent reported explosions during the alert, and local authorities confirmed a Russian drone had been detected flying over the city.

During a joint press conference with Zelenskiy, Starmer announced plans for the UK to supply Ukraine with a new mobile air defence system tailored to its battlefield needs.

"[Russian President Vladimir] Putin's ambition to wrench Ukraine away from its closest partners has been a monumental strategic failure," Starmer said. "Instead, we are closer than ever, and this partnership will take that friendship to the next level."

He also confirmed that discussions on long-term security guarantees for Ukraine would continue in the coming months.

The "100-Year Partnership" treaty is expected to deepen not only military cooperation but also collaboration in science, energy, and trade. Starmer stressed that the agreement was a reflection of the enduring bond between the UK and Ukraine.

As he departed Kyiv, Starmer reaffirmed his commitment to standing with Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty. "It’s very important we ensure that Ukraine is in the strongest possible position," he said.

Zelenskiy, echoing the sentiment, said the treaty was a step towards a secure and prosperous future for both nations.