A sweeping 10-year agreement signed in Kyiv has formally anchored the United Kingdom and Ukraine into a wide-ranging defence and reconstruction partnership designed to outlast the war and shape Ukraine’s postwar future.
The deal marks the first bilateral security arrangement signed under the G7-led Joint Declaration launched in Vilnius in 2023.
It aims to secure Ukraine’s sovereignty, help rebuild its economy, integrate it into Euro-Atlantic institutions, and serve as a model for long-term Western support.
🔐 A Blueprint for Ukraine’s Sovereign Defence
The agreement underscores the UK’s pledge to keep providing comprehensive military assistance.
That includes everything from long-range firepower and artillery to cyberdefence, surveillance, medical training, and naval support.
Britain commits to:
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Supplying £2.5bn in military aid in 2024, following £4.6bn provided across 2022–2023
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Leading international Capability Coalitions for artillery, maritime, air, and armoured support
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Supporting Ukraine’s future NATO integration, including force interoperability and infrastructure
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Building Ukraine’s resilience with airspace control, naval mine clearance, and border defence
"This is about a sustainable force capable of defending Ukraine now and deterring aggression in the future."
⚙️ Industrial and Cyber Collaboration
The deal also targets the future of Ukraine’s defence industry.
The UK will partner with Ukrainian firms to localise production of weapons and repair infrastructure, share intellectual property protections, and co-develop military technologies.
Cybersecurity is a major focus. The UK pledges deeper intelligence sharing and cyber threat coordination to counter Russia’s hybrid attacks-online, offline, and across borders.
The UK and Ukraine will build joint protocols for rapid cyber response and deterrence.
⚓ Maritime Security in the Black Sea
One of the deal’s cornerstones is the Maritime Capability Coalition-a UK-led initiative to transform Ukraine into a contributor to Black Sea security.
This involves developing Ukraine’s navy and maritime patrol capabilities through:
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Investment in coastal defence
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Modern equipment for sea guard forces
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Supporting the safe reopening of trade and navigation routes
The aim is to help Ukraine "restore economic activity" and secure maritime sovereignty.
🛠️ Recovery, Reconstruction and Mine Action
The UK will also play a central role in Ukraine’s physical and economic reconstruction.
It plans to:
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Fund humanitarian demining operations and mine action training
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Support early recovery in energy, tech, infrastructure, and education
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Help Ukraine secure private investments via insurance, capital access, and digital trade partnerships
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Unlock international funding sources for postwar recovery and economic reform
The two countries reaffirmed that Russia must be held accountable for war damages. UK-based Russian assets will remain frozen until reparations are made.
🧱 Governance, Law and Reform
Ukraine’s reform agenda is another critical pillar.
The UK will assist in:
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Judicial and anti-corruption reforms
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Defence and security sector modernisation
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Strengthening democratic civilian control over the military
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Restructuring Ukraine’s business environment and state enterprises
These efforts align with Ukraine’s aspirations for EU and NATO membership, and are seen as essential to both national recovery and international integration.
⚔️ A Pact for the Next War, Not Just This One
One of the most consequential provisions is what happens if Russia invades again.
Should that occur, both countries agree to consult within 24 hours and initiate a rapid joint response that includes military, economic, and diplomatic measures.
The UK commits to providing sustained military aid, imposing new costs on Russia, and helping Ukraine exercise its right to self-defence.
This framework may eventually integrate into broader mechanisms with other international backers, ensuring that support for Ukraine becomes institutional and enduring.
