Security and future generations at the centre of discussions as UK and Ukraine strengthen partnership.
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-13)

The Foreign Secretary welcomes Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha to London for next steps on the 100 Year Partnership.

- The Foreign Secretary will welcome Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha to London for next steps on the 100 Year Partnership
- Boost for UK and Ukraine’s next generation with expansion of successful school partnerships programme.
- Ukraine’s recovery is a priority for UK security with £5.2 million of new reconstruction funding for hospitals and roads supporting critical national infrastructure
New funding for three major reconstruction projects in Ukraine, including two hospitals and an extensive road project, will be announced today as part of the UK-Ukraine Strategic Dialogue.

And in a boost to the next generation in both countries, more British and Ukrainian school children than ever will be able to participate in the landmark 100 Year Partnership schools programme, delivered through the British Council. The schools partnership programme initially launched earlier this year, with 50 schools in the UK matched with 50 schools in Ukraine on a year-long reading project, with pupils sharing their favourite stories from their own cultures.

New funding will support 30 additional schools across both countries, with an estimated 5,000 additional pupils benefitting from the landmark partnership to drive education standards across both nations.

The new support comes as the Foreign Secretary welcomes Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha to London today [Thursday 13 November] for the Strategic Dialogue. They will discuss the long-term and strategic partnership between the UK and Ukraine, reaffirming the shared commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and democratic future.

The UK continues to be a key partner in helping broker a just and lasting peace for Ukraine and ensure that they are in the strongest position possible now and for future generations.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

Ukraine’s security is our security. Through our 100 Year Partnership, we commit to stand with Ukraine not just today or tomorrow, but for many decades and generations to come, deepening our economic, security and cultural ties.

Time and again, Putin shows he is willing to threaten the lives of civilians, take children from their families and destroy critical infrastructure. The UK’s support will help reconstruction of hospitals and critical national infrastructure as well as building connections between our countries for years to come.

Our support for Ukraine is stronger than ever.

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said:

I was lucky enough to grow up with a grandfather who passed on his love of reading to me – opening up my world and shaping who I am today. Reading is one of the greatest gifts a child can receive, building empathy, widening horizons and helping us to see the world through others’ eyes.

For children in Ukraine, who are dealing with hardships that many of us can’t comprehend, this programme is creating something truly special - bringing young people together through stories, building understanding and friendship, and forging bonds between schools. It’s wonderful that, as part of our Plan for Change and 100 Year Partnership, another 5,000 pupils will now have the chance to be part of it.

Deepening the UK and Ukraine’s partnership through education, culture and research ties is pivotal to the 100 Year Partnership. This week, three UK universities, Birkbeck - University of London, Durham University and Edge Hill University, will sign an agreement with the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies, enabling them to strengthen partnerships on education, research and cultural links.

The UK continues to give Ukraine its ironclad support. Building on the signing of the 100 Year Partnership in January, today’s meeting further solidifies the growing cooperation between the UK and Ukraine, and the incredible potential for our countries and generations to thrive for years to come.

Notes to editors

More information on the 100 Year Partnership can be found here (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-and-ukraine-sign-landmark-100-year-partnership-to-deepen-security-ties-and-strengthen-partnership-for-future-generations).
- More information on the UK’s support to Ukraine can be found here (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-support-to-ukraine-factsheet/uk-support-to-ukraine-factsheet).
- More information on the British Council UK-Ukraine School Partnerships programme can be found here (https://www.britishcouncil.org/school-resources/uk-ukraine-partnerships)
- More information on the university twinning initiative and its 2025 report can be found here (https://www.twinningukraine.com/)
The Strategic Dialogue was established under the 2020 Strategic Partnership Agreement. It sets clear bilateral priorities across eight key areas including security, trade, energy, and culture, culminating in a leader-level meeting and joint communique.

The inaugural Strategic Dialogue was held in December 2021. It was paused following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 and is now being relaunched to set clear priorities across growth, reform, and security, and to build on the momentum of the 100YP signed in January 2025.

It aims to demonstrate long-term UK leadership and commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, resilience and recovery.
- These objectives directly support the PM’s Plan for Change by advancing UK growth and economic resilience through trade and innovation, and reinforcing our global leadership in security and democratic values.
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