Members of the National Security Committee discussed increased British support and further partnership with their British colleagues
14 October 2025, 20:50
Members of the Committee on National Security, Defence and Intelligence held a meeting with a delegation from the Defence Committee of the Parliament of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The event took place shortly after the Verkhovna Rada ratified the Centenary Partnership Agreement between Ukraine and Great Britain.
As Committee Chairman Oleksandr Zavitnevych emphasised, «real cooperation between our countries convincingly proves that this document is not about intentions, but about real content, filled with common approaches to the principles of international law, freedom and security.»
He highlighted specific manifestations of this support, including £4.5 billion in security assistance, early delivery of hundreds of air defence missiles, financial support in overcoming energy challenges, and funding of up to £2.0 billion under the KINDRED programme. «These are just some of the steps the UK is taking to strengthen Ukraine's defence capabilities,» the Committee Chair stressed.
Oleksandr Zavitnevych expressed his gratitude for the United Kingdom's unwavering leadership in supporting Ukrainians in their fight against the russian aggressor and for its solidarity with Ukraine's international initiatives aimed at bringing the war to a just end.
He also expressed a clear position on European responsibility. «Ukraine is part of European security, and we call for 0.25% of each partner country's GDP to be allocated to support our defence industry and domestic production — this is not charity, but an investment in the stability and security of the entire European continent,» emphasised Oleksandr Zavitnevych.
During the meeting, London's role in the sanctions policy against russia and practical steps against the shadow fleet were noted separately. as the Committee Chairman noted, «The United Kingdom is among the countries that consistently adhere to the sanctions policy against russia, restricting the shadow fleet, legal entities and individuals that help the russian federation continue the war.»
The parties noted that more than 30 joint ventures are already strengthening Ukraine's defence capabilities and creating jobs in both countries, and the guests expressed their admiration for the resilience of Ukrainians and their ability to "create new weapons in conditions of missile terror and carry out daring operations such as “Spider Web” — true masterpieces of operational art.
According to the Committee Chair, further steps were also discussed during the meeting: ‘cooperation in the defence industry,’ ‘use of frozen russian assets in British jurisdiction,’ joining the PURL programme, ‘strengthening sanctions and international pressure on the russian federation,’ assistance in the supply of modern weapons (in particular, Tomahawk missiles), and ‘active participation in providing security guarantees — support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, equipping them with modern weapons, and creating an air shield.’
Oleksandr Zavitnevych emphasised that British-Ukrainian relations are entering a new phase — from a partnership of support to a partnership of trust and joint participation in the security architecture of Europe.
«The United Kingdom and Ukraine stand side by side where courage and dedication to the principles of freedom and equality are tested. It is in fateful periods of history that true friendship is forged. “A friend in need is a friend indeed,”» said the Chairman of the Committee at the end of the meeting.