The United Kingdom and Ukraine signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement on Thursday that will replace the current EU-Ukraine partnership for the UK, post-Brexit.
The political and economic cooperation agreement was signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in London and reaffirms that both countries will “work together to counter Russia's malicious influence” in Eastern Europe.
Downing Street stated the agreement “lays the foundations for a deeper relationship in areas such as trade, defence and political cooperation”.
“The UK is Ukraine’s most fervent supporter,” British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted following the signing. “Our message is clear – we are utterly committed to upholding Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
The UK is Ukraine’s most fervent supporter.
Whether it’s our defence support, stabilisation efforts, humanitarian assistance or close cooperation on political issues, our message is clear – we are utterly committed to upholding Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. https://t.co/dkwoCY7QK2 — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) October 8, 2020
On Tuesday, European Council President Charles Michel met with President Zelensky in Brussels to “deepen [the EU’s] relationship with Ukraine even further”.
“The EU is — and will remain — Ukraine's biggest and most reliable partner,” Michel said.
Three financial agreements between Ukraine and the EU were signed, allocating €60 million to support the east of Ukraine, civil society and climate.
Since Ukraine’s Western Revolution in 2014, and the subsequent annexation of Crimea, the EU has assisted Ukraine in its reform efforts with more than €15 billion in grants and loans.
Michel told Zelensky that the EU has extended its sanctions against Russia over the annexation of Crimea until 2021.
Amée Zoutberg
The Brussels Times
