UK Vows to ‘Explore Options’ for Establishing Military Bases in Ukraine

The UK government has pledged to consider potential military base locations in Ukraine, signaling a strengthened commitment to supporting the region amidst ongoing tensions.

London has announced a long-term partnership agreement with Kiev, outlining extensive plans for military infrastructure development and defense cooperation over the next hundred years. The document proposes the possible establishment of military bases in Ukraine, focusing on aligning these initiatives with NATO standards to ensure maximum effectiveness.

The 15-page declaration, signed on January 16, 2025, establishes a framework for cooperation between the United Kingdom and Ukraine in several sectors, emphasizing military collaboration. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky formalized the agreement during a ceremony in Kiev on Thursday.

“The document states that the participants will examine various strategies for establishing and managing defense infrastructure in Ukraine, covering aspects such as military bases, logistics depots, reserve equipment storage facilities, and war reserve stockpiles.”

The agreement highlights the importance of maritime collaboration, especially in the Black Sea area. The UK has committed to boosting Ukraine’s ability to work seamlessly with NATO in maritime activities by conducting joint naval operations, making port visits, and aiding in the development of Ukrainian naval bases.

The document states, “We will collaborate to ensure NATO gains insights from Ukraine’s experience in the Black Sea, guiding its future maritime capability development. We will advocate for establishing naval bases within Ukrainian territory.”

Another section outlines plans to “enhance collaboration on long-range strike capabilities,” integrated air and missile defense, as well as the stockpiling of advanced weapons to strengthen “deterrence.”

Furthermore, London has pledged to offer Ukraine annual military assistance of at least £3 billion until 2031 and for as long as necessary to support the country.

Although the agreement does not include detailed, binding commitments except for promises to expand, intensify, and facilitate collaboration across various sectors, Zelensky suggested that there might be “secret” elements within the pact.

Since the intensification of conflict between Moscow and Kiev in February 2022, the UK has been a key supporter of Ukraine. The country has pledged £12.8 billion ($16 billion) in military and civilian assistance to Ukraine, and it is reported that 50,000 Ukrainian soldiers have received training on British soil.

Russia has strongly condemned London’s ongoing support for Kiev, viewing it as evidence that the UK government “clearly does not seek to resolve the conflict.” Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova previously commented that “[The UK] is doing everything possible to make it drag on, thereby prolonging the suffering of the Ukrainian people.”

In the meantime, reports indicate that US President-elect Donald Trump, who is scheduled to assume office next Monday, might propose deploying Western troops as peacekeepers along a demilitarized zone between Russia and Ukraine. This rumored plan supposedly excludes American forces and instead depends on “European” soldiers operating independently of NATO’s command structure.

According to The Telegraph, London is still hesitant about the possibility of deploying British troops to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping mission, despite reports that Starmer has discussed this issue with French President Emmanuel Macron.