UPDATE - British deputy prime minister arrives in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv

UPDATES WITH DETAILS ON UK DEPUTY PREMIER'S VISIT; REVISES DECK & LEDE; MINOR EDITS

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - British Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy on Friday arrived in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv, where he attended a forum marking the first anniversary of a 100-year partnership agreement between the two countries.

Lammy's arrival was announced by Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK Valerii Zaluzhnyi, who welcomed the deputy premier and described his visit as “another testament to the intensive cooperation” between London and Kyiv.

“Today, we will jointly host the Centennial Partnership Forum and discuss the specific content of future cooperation between Ukraine and the United Kingdom,” Zaluzhnyi wrote on Telegram, noting that these included areas such as the economy, reconstruction, and education.

Stressing that there will be a “special emphasis on security,” Zaluzhnyi thanked the UK for its assistance and active position in defending Ukraine’s interests.

Later in the day, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on US social media company X that he and Lammy launched the 100-Year Partnership Forum, which he said reaffirmed their "true strategic partnership based on shared values, security, and a joint vision for a secure Europe."

Lammy also held a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during which the latter said they discussed Russian airstrikes on the country's energy infrastructure and "ways to strengthen protection against them."

"We are grateful for the UK’s decision to provide an energy support package for Ukraine right now, when it is most needed," Zelenskyy said on X.

Lammy’s visit to Kyiv came exactly a year after Ukraine and the UK signed a "100-Year Partnership" agreement to deepen defense cooperation and address long-term threats and challenges to maritime security.

The deal was signed during British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s first visit to the war-torn country since assuming office in July 2024.

Earlier Friday, the UK announced an additional £20 million ($27 million) in energy infrastructure support to "bolster Ukrainian energy security following callous and intensifying Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector."