LONDON: The United Kingdom and Ukraine are set to formalise a new defence partnership aimed at tackling the growing threat posed by low-cost drones, Downing Street announced ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit on Tuesday.
The agreement is intended to strengthen global defensive capabilities against the increasing use of affordable, high-tech military systems, particularly drones. It will combine Ukraine’s battlefield experience in countering drone attacks during its ongoing war with Russia with Britain’s industrial and technological resources.
Under the partnership, both countries will collaborate on the development, production and supply of drones and advanced defence technologies.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said modern warfare has made drones, electronic warfare and rapid innovation central to both national and economic security, a trend further intensified by recent developments in the Middle East.
Defence cooperation
He added that closer defence cooperation would not only enhance Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against continued Russian aggression but also help the UK and its allies prepare for emerging security challenges.
The agreement also includes funding of £500,000 for the establishment of an “AI Centre of Excellence,” which will be integrated into Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence.
Zelensky’s visit comes at a time when he has raised concerns that international focus on escalating tensions in the Middle East could divert attention from Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia.
Despite this, European allies have reiterated their commitment to supporting Kyiv, even as the United States has eased some sanctions on Moscow in an effort to stabilise global oil markets affected by the Middle East crisis.
