UK unveils details of historic 100-year agreement to be signed with Ukraine
The UK has introduced a new grain inspection program designed to track grain stolen from Ukrainian territories temporarily occupied by Russia, with plans to transfer the system to Ukraine in the coming weeks.
This announcement was reported on the British government website, as cited by Rubryka.
The program was developed in response to Ukraine's request to the Group of Seven (G7) nations for assistance in tracking grain stolen from Ukrainian fields in Russian-occupied areas, which is later relabeled and sold.
"Ukraine, a country which remains a major supplier of agricultural produce, is crucial for global food security. The database will be handed over to Ukraine from the Environment Secretary in the coming weeks," the statement reads.
The UK has created this database to support Ukraine's efforts to monitor and prevent grain theft from occupied regions, leveraging advanced scientific methods to pinpoint the origins of grain cultivation and collection.
The initiative is part of the 100-Year Partnership Agreement between Ukraine and the UK, with the agreement set to be signed during UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to Kyiv on Thursday.
The historic agreement will also bolster military cooperation in maritime security through a new framework aimed at enhancing the safety of the Baltic, Black, and Azov seas and deterring Russia's aggression. Additionally, the agreement will unite experts to foster scientific and technical partnerships in key areas such as:
- health,
- agriculture,
- space and drone technology,
- while also promoting friendship through educational projects.
The agreement solidifies the UK's role as a priority partner for Ukraine in the energy sector, outlining strategies for critical mineral extraction and the production of "green" steel, according to the statement.
Prime Minister Starmer is set to announce the allocation of £40 million for economic recovery efforts, which will create opportunities for British companies. This funding will target businesses supporting the "green" economy and provide assistance to the most vulnerable populations.
These funds are in addition to the £12.8 billion in aid the UK has already provided, including £7.8 billion in military support.
As reported, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Ukraine on January 16 for an unannounced visit. His visit includes a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which the two leaders will sign a 100-year partnership agreement. This agreement will deepen bilateral relations in the defense sector and ensure continued military assistance to Kyiv.
This unannounced visit marks Starmer's first trip to Ukraine since taking office in July 2024. However, he has already held talks with Zelensky twice during his tenure. Starmer previously visited Ukraine in 2023 while serving as the leader of the opposition.
As a reminder, the UK government recently announced an emergency support package worth £35 million to help Ukraine restore its power grid and address humanitarian challenges during the winter.
On December 19, the UK also unveiled a new military aid package for Ukraine valued at $286 million.
On January 9, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer would visit Kyiv. Zelensky mentioned that the meeting would include discussions on deploying a peacekeeping contingent to Ukraine.
