By Alimat Aliyeva 

Ukraine and the UK are set to sign an important agreement on a 100-year partnership aimed at deepening ties in both defense and non-military sectors.

The agreement will be signed during the visit of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Ukraine. He arrived in Kyiv today on an unannounced visit.

The document will be structured around nine key "pillars," according to reports.

One of the main aspects of the agreement is to strengthen military cooperation, particularly in the field of maritime security. This will involve the creation of a new framework to enhance the security of the Baltic, Black, and Azov Seas, with a focus on deterring Russian aggression in the region.

The agreement also aims to foster scientific and technological collaboration in areas such as healthcare, agricultural technology, space exploration, and drone technology. It will also include educational initiatives to promote closer ties between the two nations. Additionally, a grain inspection system will be introduced to track stolen grain from Ukrainian territories under occupation, a scheme developed by the United Kingdom.

Another significant part of the agreement is its emphasis on the UK's involvement in Ukraine’s energy sector. This will include supporting strategies for extracting essential minerals and developing the energy infrastructure to ensure greater energy security for Ukraine.

This long-term partnership highlights not only the growing military and economic cooperation between Ukraine and the UK but also underscores a broader geopolitical shift in the region. As Ukraine faces ongoing challenges due to Russian aggression, the support of the UK, one of the world’s leading military and technological powers, is expected to play a pivotal role in Ukraine’s security and development.

The agreement also sends a clear message to Russia and other global actors about the strength of the UK-Ukraine alliance and the UK's commitment to supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity for the long haul. The growing ties between the two countries could open the door for future collaborative projects in innovation, defense, and infrastructure, contributing to Ukraine's resilience in the face of ongoing conflict.