The United Kingdom and Ukraine have moved to deepen their long-term alliance, marking the first anniversary of their historic 100 Year Partnership with new commitments on energy security,
education and economic cooperation — including an accelerated £20 million package to repair Ukraine’s battered energy infrastructure.
The announcement, made in Kyiv on Friday 16 January 2026, comes as Russia intensifies its attacks on Ukraine’s power and heating systems, leaving hundreds of thousands of civilians without electricity and warmth during one of the harshest winters in recent years.
Emergency funding to keep Ukraine warm and powered
The UK’s latest £20 million injection is aimed at urgent repairs and protection of Ukraine’s national energy network after prolonged Russian strikes forced President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to declare a state of emergency. With temperatures plunging to as low as –20°C, entire communities — including hospitals, schools and care facilities — have faced dangerous shortages of heat and power.
The funding will support emergency works to restore, protect and generate electricity and heating nationwide, ensuring essential services remain operational and vulnerable civilians are protected during winter.
The new package brings total UK support for Ukraine’s energy sector to more than £470 million, reinforcing Britain’s role as one of Kyiv’s most consistent international partners.
A partnership built for the long term
The energy announcement coincides with the first anniversary of the UK–Ukraine 100 Year Partnership, signed in Kyiv last year to lock in long-term cooperation across defence, trade, education, innovation and culture.
As part of this milestone, the UK confirmed a major expansion of its schools twinning programme, which links classrooms in both countries. Over the next three years, an additional 300 schools will join the initiative, with around 54,000 pupils expected to benefit from shared learning, cultural exchanges and joint projects.
The programme is designed to strengthen ties between the next generation of Britons and Ukrainians, laying foundations for long-term security and economic growth.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Our 100 Year Partnership with Ukraine stands for everything Putin is trying to destroy, bringing hope, opportunity and greater security to both our countries.
As we mark a year of our unique partnership, we do so in awe of the courage and resilience demonstrated by Ukrainians every day as they repel Russia’s barbaric invasion.
The people of Ukraine should be in no doubt - we will stand with you today, tomorrow and for the next 100 years, both at home and on the international stage, because what happens in Ukraine matters to us all”.
Education, trade and innovation at the heart of cooperation
The Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said:“Today we are cementing our future-facing partnership with the expansion of our successful school twinning scheme to over 300 new schools - fostering new connections between our young people and helping build their confidence and skill sets for future success.
Our support for Ukraine as it continues to resist Putin’s barbaric war is steadfast, and our ongoing support for energy security and resilience will help to keep the lights on and Ukrainian homes warm when vulnerable civilians need it most.
Our bilateral ties extend far beyond the conflict, from opening new doors to trade and growth for British businesses, deepening defence cooperation, partnering to drive innovations in science and technology, and deepening our educational and cultural ties, we are building lasting security and shared prosperity for Ukraine, for the UK and for future generations”.
Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said: “A love of reading can change a child’s life – it builds empathy, widens horizons and helps us to see the world through others’ eyes. For children in Ukraine, who are facing challenges that many of us can’t imagine, this initiative is offering meaningful connection, friendship, and creating lasting links between schools. I’m really pleased that as we mark the start of our National Year of Reading, more pupils in both of our countries will have the opportunity to take part in this brilliant programme”.
A year of tangible progress
The anniversary follows a year of concrete achievements under the partnership, including:
- A £1.6 billion defence deal supplying advanced air defence missiles to Ukraine, supporting 200 jobs in Northern Ireland
- A 20% increase in UK exports to Ukraine
- Expanded cooperation in pharmaceuticals, construction, science and clean energy
- Strengthened cultural and educational links through school partnerships
Flagship initiatives such as InnovateUkraine are also helping to boost Ukraine’s long-term energy resilience while contributing to global clean energy solutions.
Looking ahead
Launched in January 2025 during Prime Minister Starmer’s visit to Kyiv — including a virtual classroom link between a Kyiv school and a primary school in Liverpool — the 100 Year Partnership was designed to ensure Ukraine is never again left vulnerable to external aggression.
As the second year of the partnership begins, the UK has reiterated its “ironclad” commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, security and recovery, working alongside international allies to secure a just and lasting peace.
The message from London and Kyiv is clear: the partnership is not just about surviving the war, but about building a shared future — for decades, and generations, to come. Photo by Noobuster007, Wikimedia commons.