The United Kingdom has reinforced its long-term commitment to Ukraine as both countries marked the first anniversary of their landmark 100-Year Partnership, a framework designed to anchor
security, reform and economic cooperation for generations to come.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and Minister of State for Business and Trade Chris Bryant travelled to Kyiv to attend a high-level partnership summit alongside Ukrainian ministers, business leaders and civil society groups. The visit underlined Britain’s pledge to stand with Ukraine not only during wartime, but throughout its recovery and reform journey.
While in the capital, Mr Lammy visited the site of a missile strike and met families whose homes were damaged by Russian drone attacks. He also spoke with UNHCR staff delivering humanitarian assistance to communities under sustained pressure from ongoing hostilities.
The visit coincided with a new £20 million UK funding package aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. The support comes amid intensified Russian attacks on power and heating facilities and is designed to protect energy security during winter months.
The funding will be used to repair and restore damaged infrastructure, protect critical energy assets and support emergency power generation across the country. The goal is to keep electricity and heating running in homes, hospitals and schools, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
Addressing business leaders working in sectors linked to the 100-Year Partnership, the Deputy Prime Minister praised the resilience of the Ukrainian people and highlighted the importance of reform alongside reconstruction. He announced that the UK will provide specialised training for Ukrainian commercial judges, delivered independently by the judiciary of England and Wales, to help strengthen the rule of law and investor confidence.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said: “I am privileged to be here to mark the first anniversary of our 100-Year Partnership because Ukraine’s security is our security. This is more than just solidarity; our friendship is a shared stand against Russian aggression across Europe.
But today we go further: unlocking investment, deepening joint action, and reaffirming our leadership of the Coalition of the Willing. The UK and Ukraine stand shoulder to shoulder as true partners for freedom, committed to a just peace and a stronger, safer future for both our nations”.
Minister of State at the Department of Business and Trade, Chris Bryant said:
“British businesses stand to gain from one of the most significant reconstruction efforts of our generation - our partnership isn’t about headlines; it’s about creating the conditions for long term growth, resilience and shared success.
The UK is in this for the long haul, and we will continue to give Ukraine our ironclad support, working with industry to make sure they can seize these opportunities”.
As part of the visit, the UK announced several new measures to support reconstruction and trade. These include a memorandum of understanding between UK Export Finance and ECA Ukraine, aimed at expanding bilateral trade and improving access to finance.
The government also unveiled three new UK-led development programmes focused on rebuilding school infrastructure, supporting children’s education, and developing a net-zero housing initiative. The programmes are intended to accelerate recovery in Ukraine while opening future opportunities for UK companies to contribute their expertise.
The anniversary of the 100-Year Partnership marks a symbolic moment, but UK officials stressed that it is also a practical commitment — one rooted in long-term reform, reconstruction and an enduring alliance with Ukraine. Photo by Haidamac, Wikimedia commons.