UK pledges to "explore options" for establishing military bases in Ukraine
London has announced the specifics of its '100-year partnership agreement' with Kiev.
TroibNews 
London has announced the specifics of its ‘100-year partnership agreement’ with Kiev, outlining an extensive plan for military infrastructure development and defense collaboration over the next century. The agreement suggests the possible establishment of military bases in Ukraine, focusing on aligning these efforts with NATO standards for heightened efficiency.
The 15-page declaration, signed on January 16, 2025, establishes a framework for cooperation between the United Kingdom and Ukraine across various domains, primarily concentrating on military partnership. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky finalized the deal during a ceremony in Kiev on Thursday.
“The Participants will explore options for deploying and maintaining defence infrastructure in Ukraine, including military bases, logistics depots, reserve military equipment storage facilities and war reserve stockpiles,” the document states.
The agreement additionally highlights maritime cooperation, especially in the Black Sea region. The UK has committed to enhancing Ukraine’s interoperability with NATO in maritime operations by means of joint naval exercises, port visits, and the development of Ukrainian naval bases.
“We will work together to ensure NATO learns the lessons from Ukraine’s experience in the Black Sea to inform its development of future maritime capabilities. We will promote the development of naval bases on the territory of Ukraine,” the document reads.
Another segment of the declaration outlines plans to “deepen cooperation on long-range strike capabilities,” integrated air and missile defense systems, and the stockpiling of advanced weaponry to strengthen “deterrence.”
Furthermore, London has pledged to provide Ukraine with annual military assistance of at least £3 billion until at least 2031, and “for as long as needed to support Ukraine.”
While the agreement does not contain detailed, binding commitments beyond broad assurances to expand and enhance collaboration across multiple areas, Zelensky alluded to potential “secret” elements within the pact.
The UK has emerged as one of Ukraine’s leading supporters since the escalation of conflict between Moscow and Kiev in February 2022, committing £12.8 billion in military and civilian aid to Ukraine and reportedly training 50,000 Ukrainian troops on British soil.
In response to London's sustained backing of Kiev, Russia has sharply criticized this stance, interpreting it as evidence that the UK government "clearly does not seek to resolve the conflict." Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has previously stated, “they are doing everything possible to make it drag on, thus prolonging the suffering of the Ukrainian people.”
Meanwhile, reports indicate that US President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to take office next Monday, may propose the deployment of Western troops as peacekeepers in a demilitarized zone between Russia and Ukraine. This rumored plan reportedly excludes US forces and would rely on “European” soldiers acting independently of NATO’s command structure.
As discussions unfold, London remains cautious regarding the potential deployment of British troops to Ukraine as part of any peacekeeping force, despite Starmer reportedly having deliberated this matter with French President Emmanuel Macron, according to The Telegraph.
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
The 15-page declaration, signed on January 16, 2025, establishes a framework for cooperation between the United Kingdom and Ukraine across various domains, primarily concentrating on military partnership. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky finalized the deal during a ceremony in Kiev on Thursday.
“The Participants will explore options for deploying and maintaining defence infrastructure in Ukraine, including military bases, logistics depots, reserve military equipment storage facilities and war reserve stockpiles,” the document states.
The agreement additionally highlights maritime cooperation, especially in the Black Sea region. The UK has committed to enhancing Ukraine’s interoperability with NATO in maritime operations by means of joint naval exercises, port visits, and the development of Ukrainian naval bases.
“We will work together to ensure NATO learns the lessons from Ukraine’s experience in the Black Sea to inform its development of future maritime capabilities. We will promote the development of naval bases on the territory of Ukraine,” the document reads.
Another segment of the declaration outlines plans to “deepen cooperation on long-range strike capabilities,” integrated air and missile defense systems, and the stockpiling of advanced weaponry to strengthen “deterrence.”
Furthermore, London has pledged to provide Ukraine with annual military assistance of at least £3 billion until at least 2031, and “for as long as needed to support Ukraine.”
While the agreement does not contain detailed, binding commitments beyond broad assurances to expand and enhance collaboration across multiple areas, Zelensky alluded to potential “secret” elements within the pact.
The UK has emerged as one of Ukraine’s leading supporters since the escalation of conflict between Moscow and Kiev in February 2022, committing £12.8 billion in military and civilian aid to Ukraine and reportedly training 50,000 Ukrainian troops on British soil.
In response to London's sustained backing of Kiev, Russia has sharply criticized this stance, interpreting it as evidence that the UK government "clearly does not seek to resolve the conflict." Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has previously stated, “they are doing everything possible to make it drag on, thus prolonging the suffering of the Ukrainian people.”
Meanwhile, reports indicate that US President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to take office next Monday, may propose the deployment of Western troops as peacekeepers in a demilitarized zone between Russia and Ukraine. This rumored plan reportedly excludes US forces and would rely on “European” soldiers acting independently of NATO’s command structure.
As discussions unfold, London remains cautious regarding the potential deployment of British troops to Ukraine as part of any peacekeeping force, despite Starmer reportedly having deliberated this matter with French President Emmanuel Macron, according to The Telegraph.
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
