Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday described the United Kingdom as “one of our biggest friends”, highlighting the close cooperation between Kyiv and London amid Russia’s full‑scale invasion. Zelenskyy’s remarks came during a video address recounting meetings with international partners and reaffirming Ukraine’s gratitude for sustained UK support.
“I spoke with the UK Secretary of State, who is in Ukraine. We maintain constant contact with Prime Minister Keir and all our partners. The United Kingdom is one of our biggest friends, and that will continue,” Zelenskyy said, underscoring the depth of bilateral relations.
His statement reflects a long‑standing and multifaceted partnership between the two nations, encompassing military aid, defence cooperation, economic support, and humanitarian assistance.
UK Military and Security Support
The United Kingdom has been one of Ukraine’s leading military supporters since Russia’s invasion in 2022. According to British government figures, the UK has committed billions of pounds in military aid, including training, equipment, and defence systems. This support has included the provision of air defence missiles, drones, and armoured vehicles as well as training for tens of thousands of Ukrainian troops through programmes such as Operation Interflex.
In 2025 alone, the UK struck a £1.6 billion deal to supply Ukraine with thousands of advanced air defence missiles, a move designed to boost Kyiv’s ability to repel Russian attacks and strengthen UK defence industrial cooperation with Ukraine.
The UK is also accelerating £200 million in funding to equip its own armed forces to deploy as part of a potential Multinational Force for Ukraine, including upgrades to vehicles, communications systems, and counter‑drone protection equipment — a sign of deep‑ening operational ties.
Long‑Term Strategic Commitment
In January 2025, the UK and Ukraine marked the first anniversary of a landmark 100‑Year Partnership Agreement, a formal framework to deepen cooperation across defence, security, trade, education, and energy infrastructure. Under the partnership, London has pledged multibillion‑pound support packages designed to bolster Ukraine’s long‑term security and resilience, including £20 million in accelerated energy infrastructure support announced in January 2026 to help repair power networks damaged by Russian strikes.
The pact also includes broader economic cooperation, educational exchange programmes, and research partnerships — part of efforts to strengthen people‑to‑people ties and economic integration.
British support extends beyond military assistance. Official UK figures show that London has provided hundreds of millions of pounds in humanitarian aid for shelter, winter supplies, and other relief efforts to support vulnerable populations affected by the war.
Political Solidarity and Public Support
British leaders across government have repeatedly reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The UK was among the first Western nations to sign a bilateral security agreement with Kyiv and has advocated for Ukraine’s eventual integration into Euro‑Atlantic structures such as NATO.
Public support for Ukraine remains visible in the UK as well, with polls showing that a majority of Britons continue to back their government’s assistance, including economic sanctions on Russia and continued aid to Ukraine.
Strategic Importance of the Relationship
Zelenskyy’s praise of the UK comes as Kyiv continues to seek expanded support from Western partners in the face of sustained Russian offensive operations. London’s combined military, economic, and humanitarian backing positions the UK as one of Ukraine’s most significant international allies — a role that Ukrainian leaders regularly highlight as crucial to their defence and recovery efforts.
By publicly affirming the strength of the UK‑Ukraine partnership, Zelenskyy’s comments reinforce the message that Kyiv values both immediate assistance and long‑term collaboration with London amidst a protracted conflict.
