The accord commits the two sides to cooperate on defence and on technology projects

AP KYIV/MOSCOW

UK  Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a 100-year partnership agreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday, as part of a European show of support,  and promises to keep helping Ukraine endure in its nearly three-year war with Russia.

The announcement came days before Donald Trump is sworn in as US President with skepticism of America’s military burden in Europe and what. he says, is a plan to end the continent’s biggest conflict since World War II.

“We are with you not just today or tomorrow, for this year or the next, but for 100 years — long after this terrible war is over and Ukraine is free and thriving once again,” Starmer told Zelenskyy during a visit to Kyiv, promising that the UK would “play our part” in guaranteeing Ukraine’s post-war security.

Starmer said that the landmark century-long agreement commits the two sides to cooperate on defence — especially maritime security against Russian activity in the Baltic Sea, Black Sea and Sea of Azov — and on technology projects, including drones, which have become vital weapons for both sides in the war. The treaty also includes a system to help track stolen Ukrainian grain exported by Russia from occupied parts of the country.

Ukraine’s alignment with the West, and potential future membership in NATO, have angered Russian President Vladimir Putin, who still wants to exert influence over the independent nation. Russia said on Friday that any placement of British military assets in Ukraine under a new 100-year partnership agreement between Kyiv and London would be of concern to Moscow.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was asked about the possibility of Britain setting up military bases in Ukraine under the agreement announced on Thursday by Zelenskyy and Starmer. He said, "Given that Britain is a NATO country, the advancement of its military infrastructure towards our borders is certainly a rather worrying element. In any case, it will be necessary to further analyse what will happen."