- 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 new
reconstruction funding for hospitals and roads of £5.2 million to
support critical national infrastructure
New funding for three major reconstruction projects in
Ukraine, including two hospitals and an extensive roading
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 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, 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.
- More information on the UK's support to Ukraine can be
found here.
- More information on the British Council UK-Ukraine School
Partnerships programme can be found here
- More information on the university twinning initiative and
its 2025 report can be found here
- 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.
o 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.
o 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.
