British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced a landmark military co-production agreement on Monday during the Ukrainian leader’s brief visit to London, deepening defence ties as Ukraine continues to resist Russian aggression.
The announcement took place in the garden of Starmer’s Downing Street residence, where the leaders also met with Ukrainian soldiers currently training in the UK.
“ I’m really proud that we’re announcing an industrial military co-production agreement — the first of its kind between Ukraine and the UK,” Starmer said. “This is a massive step forward in the support we can continue to provide.”
Zelenskiy welcomed the agreement, thanking Britain for its unwavering backing. “This deal strengthens both our nations,” he said, highlighting how it would advance battlefield innovation and defence capability.
According to Downing Street, the three-year agreement will enhance Ukraine’s drone production and link British defence manufacturers with frontline Ukrainian tech developers.
The initiative follows a broader strategic commitment made in January, when Starmer visited Kyiv to launch a 100-year UK–Ukraine partnership spanning defence, diplomacy, and culture.
Both leaders also agreed that the coalition of the willing — a UK- and France-led alliance excluding the U.S. — should hold a virtual meeting soon to coordinate next steps in supporting Ukraine.
Earlier in the day, Zelenskiy met with King Charles III at Windsor Castle, marking their third encounter this year, and held talks with UK parliamentary leaders, reinforcing the UK’s symbolic and material support for Kyiv.
reuters/s.s