On the eve of Victory in Europe Day, the UK reinforced its support for Ukraine’s democratic future with the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between Minister for Courts and Legal
Services Sarah Sackman KC and Ukraine’s Deputy Justice Minister, Andriy Suhak, in Kyiv.
This agreement coincided with Minister Sackman’s participation in the United for Justice conference and Ministerial Dialogue Group, where international allies reaffirmed their backing for Ukraine amid ongoing Russian aggression.
The Memorandum deepens existing judicial collaboration and commits the UK to sharing expertise to help Ukraine develop a modern, transparent, and effective justice system. Key areas of focus include:
- Enhancing court management and integrating digital tools such as AI
- Supporting vulnerable individuals in the justice process with trauma-informed approaches and legal aid
- Improving prison and probation service management and oversight
- Promoting an independent and transparent judiciary
- Expanding the use of mediation and arbitration to resolve disputes
- Strengthening ties between UK and Ukrainian legal sectors
This initiative builds on the UK’s broader support for Ukraine, following Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s January visit to Kyiv to launch the 100-Year Partnership. To date, the UK has provided £18 billion in aid, including £13 billion in military support and nearly £5 billion in humanitarian and non-military assistance.
Minister for Courts and Legal Services, Sarah Sackman KC, said:
“I have heard first-hand testimonies of the devastation and pain caused by Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and the need to bring those responsible to account.
As our Ukrainian friends fight to secure their independence, their battlefield victories must be bolstered by support to rebuild – including a resilient justice system.
We will share best practice to advance vital justice reforms to help Ukraine strengthen its rule of law, underpin economic prosperity and safeguard its democracy”.
The signing took place just days after Ukrainian troops participated in VE Day commemorations in London alongside British, Commonwealth, and NATO forces—an enduring symbol of solidarity in the face of ongoing Russian aggression. Photo by Leonst at Ukrainian Wikipedia.