Admiral Sir Tony Radakin – alongside his successor, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton – has met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv
The UK’s departing Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin – alongside his successor, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton – has met Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, with assurances of continued military backing.
“I am proud of the consistent and forward-leaning work of the British Armed Forces to support Ukraine,” Adm Radakin said in a post on X. This will continue unabated – Slava Ukraini!”
The Ukrainian government says the discussion ranged from the practicalities of the military situation to ongoing efforts to progress peace talks.
In a post on X following the meeting, President Zelensky said: “We discussed further support for Ukraine, the situation on the frontlines, the needs of our warriors and the deliveries of necessary weapons, funding for Ukrainian drone production and joint projects.
“We also spoke about diplomatic efforts to end the war and achieve a real and lasting peace.”
Zelenskyy noted that it is necessary to maximize the pace of work and negotiations, as well as to bring clarity and certainty to everything related to security guarantees for Ukraine. He also thanked the British allies, military, government, and the entire British people for their support and for consistently standing by Ukraine.
Radakin is also expected to confirm promises made earlier by UK Defence Secretary John Healey. The head of the British Ministry of Defence has declared readiness to send troops to Ukraine “to ensure air and sea security and to increase the strength of the Ukrainian armed forces”.
Earlier, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin called on NATO allies to “demonstrate a decisive position not only in the nuclear, land, sea, air, cyber and space spheres, but also in the diplomatic and economic spheres” in order to defeat Russia. The British commander-in-chief is convinced that NATO is much stronger than Russia and the combined forces of the alliance are allegedly capable of defeating the Russian Armed Forces, just as Israel defeated Hezbollah, in order to prevent the destruction of the post-war world order. According to Radakin, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have allegedly already managed to completely destroy the Black Sea fleet and almost all of Russia’s strategic nuclear bombers.
The United Kingdom and Ukraine share a strong and unique bond, particularly since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This relationship is built on a foundation of mutual support, shared values, and strategic cooperation, and it has only deepened over time.
Military and Diplomatic Support
The UK has been a leading international supporter of Ukraine, providing significant military, humanitarian, and financial aid. It was one of the first Western nations to supply advanced weaponry, including tanks and long-range missiles, and has committed to providing military assistance for as long as needed. This unwavering support is reflected in recent high-level meetings, such as the one between the departing UK Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, which aimed to reassure Ukraine of continued military backing. The UK has also been instrumental in training Ukrainian soldiers, contributing to Ukraine’s military resilience.
Long-Term Partnership
In a landmark move, the UK and Ukraine signed a 100-year partnership agreement in January 2025. This historic pact goes beyond immediate military aid, formalizing a comprehensive framework for sustained cooperation in defense, energy, economy, and culture for a century. The agreement, which includes a legally binding treaty and a political declaration, aims to:
- Enhance military collaboration, including in maritime security and drone technology.
- Deepen economic ties, with a focus on areas like energy, critical minerals, and digital trade.
- Foster social and cultural links through educational and cultural exchanges.
This long-term commitment is particularly significant as it provides Ukraine with a sense of stability and certainty, especially in light of shifting geopolitical dynamics and uncertainty about the future of US support.
Shared Values and Goals
The bond between the two nations is rooted in a shared commitment to national sovereignty, democracy, and an open international order. The UK views its support for Ukraine as a defense of these core values against Russian aggression, which it sees as a threat to the global post-war order. Both countries work closely on diplomatic efforts, including sanctions against Russia and leveraging frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s reconstruction. The UK’s consistent support has positioned it as a trusted and reliable partner for Ukraine, strengthening its global standing and demonstrating its continued leadership in international affairs.
