Ukraine, UK to cooperate on energy security and key sectors – Zelenskyy, Starmer joint statement
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met on March 17 to discuss a strategic dialogue between Ukraine and the United Kingdom, according to a joint statement published on Tuesday on the websites of the Ukrainian president and the UK government.
The statement said the dialogue covers eight areas: security, trade, transport, energy, justice, science, culture and foreign policy. The sides held talks across each area to define cooperation priorities for the coming year.
"Ukraine and the United Kingdom commit to coordinating foreign policy priorities aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, as well as ensuring mutual security, recovery and growth," the statement reads.
Efforts will include additional measures to counter Russia's shadow fleet. The parties agreed that Russia must compensate for the damage it has caused to Ukraine and will cooperate with international partners to ensure documentation, investigation and prosecution of Russia's international crimes.
"The United Kingdom will continue to provide Ukraine with long-term defense support in line with its commitment to allocate at least GBP 3 billion annually until 2030/31, and for as long as necessary. The United Kingdom will continue to support Ukraine’s air defense needs," the leaders agreed.
The sides also agreed to coordinate countermeasures to neutralize entities and networks responsible for Russia's information warfare and disinformation campaigns, including in third countries.
"Ukraine and the United Kingdom will strengthen cooperation to counter Russian disinformation and neutralize Kremlin-linked structures playing a key role in Russia’s information campaigns," the statement reads.
The two countries will continue close cooperation to strengthen Ukraine's energy security and resilience, while supporting long-term recovery and energy transition.
"The United Kingdom will support Ukraine in restoring damaged energy infrastructure and preparing for the next winter. This includes engagement with the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, support for the Green Transition Office, and expansion of technical partnerships," the document reads.
The statement also said that in 2026 Ukraine and the United Kingdom will promote innovation-driven growth by deepening cooperation between their space agencies under a new memorandum on the peaceful use of outer space.
"Both sides will also strengthen cooperation in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, including efforts to support the responsible development and use of AI technologies. We will launch the ResearchBridge platform to foster links between researchers in advanced innovation fields. We will continue to strengthen ties between technology industries through TechBridge, which has already helped Ukrainian startups attract more than GBP 10 million in funding and partnerships. The United Kingdom will continue the DIGIT program to support digital innovation in Ukraine's public sector," the statement reads.
The leaders also reaffirmed the importance of coordinating efforts in international sport to limit the participation of Russia and Belarus while Russia's aggression continues.
In addition, Ukraine and the United Kingdom launched a new economic and trade dialogue aimed at improving access to war risk insurance, restoring capital markets, strengthening the business environment and accelerating investment in reconstruction projects.