Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK would provide “mobile air defense systems” and increase maritime cooperation with Ukraine.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to work with Ukraine and its allies to provide strong security for Kiev if a ceasefire is negotiated with Russia days before US President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House.

Starmer met Ukrainian President Zelensky in Kiev on Thursday and offered more support through a “100-year partnership” deal.

Starmer, on his first visit to Ukraine since becoming prime minister in July, praised relations between the two countries as being “closer than ever”.

Trump, who will be inaugurated on Monday, has repeatedly pledged to end the nearly three-year war in Ukraine. His proposals included ceding much of Ukraine to Russia.

Starmer said any deal to end the fighting must “guarantee” Ukraine’s security and independence.

Zelensky recently urged Western countries to “make no mistakes” and maintain long-term military support for Ukraine. He hailed Thursday’s agreement as “truly historic.”

Britain has been one of Ukraine’s biggest military backers, pledging 12.8 billion pounds ($16 billion) in military and civilian aid since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022.

‘Landmark Agreement’

Starmer told reporters at a joint news conference in Kyiv that the 100-year deal, which covers areas including defence, energy and trade, “reflects the tremendous affection that exists between our two countries”.

Under the deal, London and Kyiv pledged to “deepen defense cooperation” and promote Ukraine’s defense industry, recognizing it as a “future NATO ally.”

Starmer said his government would also provide “mobile air defense systems” and strengthen maritime cooperation through a new security framework in the Baltic, Black and Azov Seas.

The treaties as part of the Centenary Agreement are expected to be put before the British Parliament in the coming weeks.

“The strength of our long-standing friendship should not be underestimated,” the British prime minister said in a statement before meeting Zelensky.

He noted that it was “vital” to support Ukraine in resisting Russian attacks and rebuilding an independent future.

Starmer added: “Through this partnership we are creating a strong economy that works for the British people, a secure state that protects our interests at home and abroad, and a prosperous society.”

“We have signed a landmark agreement together, the first of its kind between the UK and Ukraine, which reflects the huge affection that exists between our two countries,” Starmer told reporters in Kyiv.