Ukraine and Britain have signed a security cooperation agreement

This was reported by the Interfax-Ukraine agency.

The agreement, described as historic by the UK government, involves the exchange of intelligence, assistance in cybersecurity, military training, and strengthened defense-industry cooperation. The term of the agreement is set for 10 years.

This agreement marks the first in the field of security agreements, following the agreements reached during the NATO Summit in Vilnius between Ukraine, members of the G7, and the associated countries. The security commitments of the United Kingdom under this document will remain in effect until Ukraine joins NATO, according to President Zelensky.

Zelensky mentioned that if such guarantees had been achieved in 1991, particularly with Britain, the war might not have started. Sunak emphasized that this is the “first of the security assurances” signed by Ukraine. The British Prime Minister also highlighted that the UK was the first to provide lethal weapons, tanks, long-range missiles, and more to Ukraine.

The leaders further stated that the agreement has a stipulated term of ten years with the possibility of extension. However, in the event of Ukraine’s NATO membership before the end of the term, the security commitments will conclude and be incorporated into the NATO system.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak arrived in Kyiv on January 12, and it was expected that he would announce a new military aid package for Ukraine, which reportedly includes £2.5 billion in military assistance to Ukraine in 2024-2025.

Photo: OP