The UK and Ukraine maintain a long-standing partnership focused on defence, trade, education, and international cooperation.
On 16 January 2026, the Prime Minister and senior ministers announced an accelerated £20 million package to support urgent energy infrastructure repairs in Ukraine, alongside an expansion of the UK-Ukraine school twinning programme, marking the first anniversary of the 100 Year Partnership.
The funding is intended to help maintain electricity and heating for homes, hospitals, and schools during winter conditions while reinforcing long-term cooperation between the two countries.
Introduction
The UK government confirmed the measures in Kyiv as part of anniversary events for the 100 Year Partnership between the two countries. The announcement was made by the Prime Minister alongside ministers from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Department for Education.
The package includes financial support for Ukraine’s energy sector and an expansion of education links between British and Ukrainian schools, following a year of cooperation across security, trade, and institutional collaboration.
Anniversary of the 100 Year Partnership
The first anniversary of the UK-Ukraine 100 Year Partnership was marked with official events in Kyiv attended by senior UK ministers and representatives from both countries. The partnership sets out a framework for long-term cooperation across security, economic development, education, and cultural exchange.
The anniversary highlights a year of bilateral activity aimed at maintaining diplomatic ties and institutional coordination during ongoing conflict. Officials outlined continued engagement across public services, defence cooperation, and cross-border programmes linking communities and organisations.
Accelerated Energy Infrastructure Support
The UK announced an accelerated £20 million package to support urgent repairs, restoration, and protection of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. The funding is intended to help maintain electricity and heating services for civilians, particularly during winter conditions and periods of heightened pressure on the energy system.
The support focuses on emergency needs for households, hospitals, and schools, with an emphasis on keeping essential services operating nationwide. The funding brings the UK’s total energy sector support for Ukraine to more than £470 million since the start of the full-scale invasion.
- Emergency repairs
- System protection
- Winter resilience
Impact on Ukrainian Communities and Services
UK officials stated that the funding aims to help ensure continued access to heat and power for families, children, and elderly residents affected by disruptions to the energy network. The support is also intended to maintain services in public facilities such as hospitals and schools during periods of low temperatures.
The announcement follows reports of widespread outages linked to sustained pressure on energy infrastructure. The measures are positioned as part of broader humanitarian and public service support coordinated through the partnership.
Expansion of the School Twinning Programme
The UK confirmed an expansion of the school twinning programme linking British and Ukrainian schools as part of the partnership’s education pillar. Officials stated that tens of thousands of pupils are expected to benefit from exchanges and collaborative activities.
The programme is set to grow to include an additional 300 schools over the next three years. The expansion is designed to strengthen educational links, promote shared learning, and support cooperation in research and innovation.
- New school participants
- Pupil exchanges
- Education partnerships
Defence, Trade, and Innovation Cooperation
UK and Ukrainian officials referenced ongoing cooperation in defence and trade as part of the partnership’s broader framework. This includes defence supply arrangements and efforts to expand UK exports to Ukraine.
The partnership also covers collaboration in science, technology, and innovation, with programmes designed to encourage research links and business engagement. Officials noted continued work to remove trade barriers and support long-term economic ties.
International and Diplomatic Context
The announcements were made within the context of wider international coordination, including engagement with G7 partners and other allies. UK officials reiterated commitments to support Ukraine through diplomatic channels and multilateral institutions.
The partnership is framed as a long-term bilateral arrangement aimed at promoting stability, resilience, and cooperation across political, economic, and social sectors. Officials stated that ongoing coordination will continue alongside international efforts.
UK Energy and Partnership Support Overview
| Accelerated Funding | £20 million allocated for urgent energy infrastructure repairs and protection announced in January 2026. |
| Total Energy Support | More than £470 million committed by the UK to Ukraine’s energy sector since the start of the full-scale invasion. |
Education and Bilateral Engagement
| School Twinning Expansion | Programme extended to include an additional 300 schools across the UK and Ukraine over the next three years. |
| Pupil Participation | Tens of thousands of British and Ukrainian pupils expected to benefit from education partnerships and exchanges. |
Stakeholder Comments
Ministerial Comments
Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister said;
“Our 100 Year Partnership with Ukraine stands for everything Putin is trying to destroy, bringing hope, opportunity and greater security to both our countries. As we mark a year of our unique partnership, we do so in awe of the courage and resilience demonstrated by Ukrainians every day. The people of Ukraine should be in no doubt that we will stand with you today, tomorrow and for the next 100 years, both at home and on the international stage.”
Yvette Cooper, Foreign Secretary said;
“Today we are cementing our future-facing partnership with the expansion of our school twinning scheme, fostering new connections between our young people and helping build their confidence and skills for the future. Our support for Ukraine as it continues to resist Russia’s invasion is steadfast, and our ongoing support for energy security will help to keep the lights on and homes warm when vulnerable civilians need it most.”
Bridget Phillipson, Education Secretary said;
“A love of reading can change a child’s life by building empathy and widening horizons. This initiative offers meaningful connection and lasting links between schools, and I am pleased that more pupils in both countries will have the opportunity to take part as we expand this programme.”
Closing Thoughts
The first anniversary announcements underline the UK’s continued engagement with Ukraine across energy support, education partnerships, and broader bilateral cooperation. Officials have framed the measures as part of a long-term approach to maintaining public services and institutional links during ongoing challenges. The partnership remains positioned as a framework for sustained collaboration between the two countries.
Sources: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Prime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street, Department for Education, The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP and The Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
