Britain and Ukraine have signed an agreement to jointly develop artificial intelligence, defence and security tools, according to Sky News. The deal was unveiled as British Prime Minister Andy Burnham visited Kyiv, deepening the defence-technology partnership between the two countries at a moment of intense pressure on Ukraine's air defences during its war with Russia.
The agreement is designed to pool expertise from both nations. According to Sky News, it brings together researchers, engineers and technology firms from Britain and Ukraine, and under the terms of the deal Britain will now have access to the artificial intelligence technology that Ukraine has been developing on the battlefield.
The signing came during a visit heavy with symbolism. Sky News reported that the prime minister had travelled to Kyiv for Ukrainian independence events, a day highlighting the sacrifices made in the war, and to meet allies in the so-called coalition of the willing that is supporting Ukraine against the Russian invasion.
Burnham used the occasion to frame Ukraine as a partner rather than a burden. Standing alongside Ukraine's wartime leader, he said that, as President Zelensky has put it, Ukraine is not a poor relative but a strong ally, adding that Ukraine has been Europe's protector and the front line of keeping Europe safe rather than a drain on its security.
The visit also carried a significant military commitment. According to Sky News, Burnham brought with him the promise to let Ukraine build its own Storm Shadow missiles, a move that predictably provoked anger from Russia, which accused Britain of participating in the war on the side of the Kyiv government.
The announcement landed amid a wider push on missile defence across Europe. Sky News noted that France has now authorised Ukraine to use its technology to make its own interceptors to counter the threat of Russian ballistic missiles, but Britain's Ministry of Defence told Sky News that the UK will not be doing the same as part of this latest deal with Ukraine.
Beyond the agreement itself, the trip had a further diplomatic goal. According to Sky News, a main purpose was to lobby US President Donald Trump on behalf of Ukraine, specifically to secure Patriot missile interceptors that President Zelensky has long been calling for; those interceptors are in short supply, needed elsewhere including in the Middle East, and Burnham is hoping to use the relationship with the White House to persuade Trump to grant them to Ukraine ahead of winter.