The secret part of the century-old agreement between Ukraine and the UK: what scared Putin so much?
17 January 18:54
The centennial agreement between Ukraine and the United Kingdom signed during the Russian drone attack on central Kyiv has a key element that remains confidential. During his evening address on January 16, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the agreement includes a secret part aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s resilience and promoting its development in the face of constant threats and a changing geopolitical situation. Is the Kremlin’s attack on Kyiv on the day of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit really related to Putin’s fears and what is hidden under the “secret” label?
january 16, 2025, Kyiv – Ukraine and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland have signed an agreement to establish a centenary partnership that will form the basis for in-depth cooperation between the two countries for the next hundred years. The document, which defines the main areas of cooperation in the political, defense, economic and social spheres, was signed by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer.
The secret provisions of the agreement will allow Ukraine to significantly strengthen its defense capabilities and ensure sustainable development even in the face of external threats. The principles laid down in the agreement may become the basis for further cooperation with other countries, but specific details remain out of public access for the period of the agreement’s implementation.
Central European independence scares Putin
Former Secretary of the Polish Delegation to the NATO Parliament and Deputy Minister of Economy of Poland (2005-2006) Piotr Kulpa in an exclusive commentary for
“The Kremlin is afraid of Ukraine’s strength. If you look at the context in which this agreement was signed, there are two key points. The first is the realization of the interdependence of the Central European countries in their quest for sovereignty. The second is an understanding that any restrictions on Ukraine’s sovereignty will affect other countries in the region, including Poland, Estonia and Latvia,” Kulpa said.
He emphasized that imposing any restrictions on Ukraine’s accession to NATO or its defense capabilities would have a negative effect on the entire regional security.
“It is simply impossible to imagine that, for example, Ukraine will be prohibited from joining NATO, while NATO infrastructure in Poland will remain unchanged. These are interconnected things,” explained Piotr Kulpa.
According to him, Russia is trying to return to the old system, in which Central European countries were controlled by Moscow.
“This is a tango that Old Europe danced with Putin at the expense of the sovereignty of the countries in our region. But now everything has changed,” Kulpa said.
“Ukraine today is a guarantor of stability. It is the Ukrainian military that is saving the sovereignty of all Central European countries, said Kulpa. First, Ukraine has created the most effective weapons system. Its combat and strategic drones are already destroying everything that Russia cannot defend. Moreover, Ukraine can launch a strike at any time that will shut down Russian airports from Grozny to St. Petersburg. This demonstrates its strength and capabilities, added Mr. Kulpa.
Russia’s weakness is already visible
Kulpa is convinced that Russia has already lost this war, and what Putin is doing now only demonstrates his weakness.
“He (Putin – ed.) is trying to symbolically show strength by launching drones or missiles, but in reality it only emphasizes how limited his capabilities are,” said Kulpa.
Kulpa also emphasized the importance of solidarity between the countries of Central Europe, which really scares the Kremlin. He says that the issues that once divided Ukrainians and Poles, in particular, are now a thing of the past. We are together, and this is a defining moment for the entire region.
Details of the 100-year agreement
The document envisages deepening political and economic cooperation, as well as active participation of the United Kingdom in the reform process in Ukraine.
- One of the main aspects of the agreement is in-depth defense cooperation, which involves strengthening the military capabilities of Ukraine and the UK. A key area is the development of the defense industry capabilities of both countries, in particular through joint initiatives and the exchange of technologies for the production of defense products.
“We believe that strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities is essential to ensure security not only in Ukraine but also in the entire European context,” said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The agreement also sets out the common position of both countries in supporting Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO, which is an important step towards ensuring stability in the Euro-Atlantic region.
- In the economic sphere, the agreement opens up new opportunities for cooperation in such important sectors as energy, transportation, infrastructure, and finance. The parties agreed to strengthen economic ties, in particular by attracting British investment in Ukrainian sectors and improving conditions for bilateral trade.
“We are committed to making our economies more innovative and resilient, supporting inclusive growth and reducing inequality to ensure prosperity for all our citizens,” Zelenskyy said.
In particular, special attention will be paid to cooperation in the field of clean energy, in particular renewable energy sources, where both countries have common interests in the transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly development.
- An important aspect of the agreement is also the development of socio-cultural ties, including joint projects in education, culture, sports, and human rights. Ukraine and the UK agreed to support efforts to ensure gender equality, inclusiveness and sustainable development.
The parties also identified the importance of strengthening cooperation in such areas as preserving cultural heritage and promoting the development of creative industries, which should become an important part of intercultural exchange between Ukraine and the UK.
- Migration policy and border management are also part of the new agreement. The parties agreed to gradually facilitate the mobility of citizens of both countries, which will provide greater freedom for the exchange of knowledge, culture and scientific achievements.
UK troops in Ukraine
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that London is ready to actively participate in possible peacekeeping missions in Ukraine.
“I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but we have already made it clear that we will play our full role, because it is not only about Ukraine’s sovereignty,” the British Prime Minister emphasized.
Keir Starmer emphasized that the consequences of Russian aggression will be felt not only in Ukraine but also in the UK. Russia’s military success could pose serious long-term threats to democratic values, freedom and security in the world.
The head of the Office of the President of Ukraine , Andriy Yermak, confirmed that negotiations are currently underway on the possible deployment of peacekeepers from France and the United Kingdom in Ukraine. According to him, the initiative was put forward by French President Emmanuel Macron. The recent meeting between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Macron also shows that this issue is being actively discussed at the diplomatic level. Yermak clarified that he could not disclose the details of the negotiations at this time, as they are still ongoing.
“I can confirm that such negotiations are ongoing, and this is a very important element for Ukraine’s security guarantees in the future,” the head of the Presidential Office added.
Three scenarios for the deployment of British troops in Ukraine
Moreover, the day before, the media reported on possible scenarios for the deployment of British troops in Ukraine and abroad. Three options were published by journalists of The Telegraph.



- The first scenario: British troops set up checkpoints along the buffer zone, patrolled by fighter jets and attack helicopters. In the rear, rapid reaction forces are deployed, and third echelon armored vehicles are ready to repel a possible attack.
- Second scenario: The West forms a defensive cordon around Kyiv, allowing the Ukrainian Armed Forces to focus on deterring Russian troops. However, journalists consider this option unlikely.
- Third scenario: British instructors conduct training in western Ukraine, and air defense systems from Poland ensure their safety.
Thus, Ukraine continues to form new formats of international cooperation that have a significant impact on the security of the entire Central Europe. The signing of the centennial agreement between Ukraine and the United Kingdom demonstrates the depth of the strategic partnership, where classified provisions play a key role in strengthening the defense capability and economic stability of our country. And Russia’s war against Ukraine has only become a watershed for Central Europe, strengthening its unity and forcing countries to reconsider their security policies. Ukraine, in turn, is becoming a key player in the global security system.