King Charles has welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Buckingham Palace on Tuesday afternoon, marking the start of a visit focused on a new defence agreement between the UK and Ukraine. The pair shook hands warmly and posed for a photograph together.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to host President Zelensky for the signing of a new defence declaration, which aims to bolster cooperation between the two nations. Downing Street stated that the partnership will combine “Ukrainian expertise and the UK’s industrial base” to manufacture and supply drones and other military capabilities.
As part of the agreement, the UK will contribute £500,000 towards a new “AI centre of excellence” in Kyiv, which will consist of experts exploring how artificial intelligence can provide a “battlefield advantage”. The partnership also seeks closer defence industry cooperation with third countries to enhance international security.
Sir Keir Starmer emphasised the importance of unity among allies, saying: “We must work in lockstep with our partners and allies to deliver security at home and abroad, and this new partnership with Ukraine will do just that.” He highlighted the significance of drones, electronic warfare, and rapid battlefield innovation in modern national and economic security, particularly in light of the Middle East conflict.
The new declaration builds on the 100-year partnership signed last year, which outlined continued solidarity with Ukraine, including financial support. The visit comes amid heightened global instability, with the ongoing war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East, as US President Donald Trump has expressed frustrations with allies over their involvement.
