The Government of United Kingdom is putting another £20 million into Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as Russian attacks on power systems intensify. The funding was announced Friday as Britain and Ukraine mark the first anniversary of their 100 Year Partnership in Kyiv. Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians, including children and schools, have been left without heat and power as temperatures drop to -20°C, the UK government said in a statement.
The new support will help repair, restore, protect, and generate energy supply nationwide after President Zelenskyy declared a state of emergency following prolonged attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector. The money will keep electricity and heating on in homes, hospitals, and schools during harsh winter conditions. It brings total UK support for Ukraine’s energy sector to over £470 million.
“Our 100 Year Partnership with Ukraine stands for everything Putin is trying to destroy, bringing hope, opportunity and greater security to both our countries,” said Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He stressed that what happens in Ukraine matters to everyone and pledged the UK will stand with Ukraine “today, tomorrow and for the next 100 years.”
The UK is also expanding its school twinning programme, with 54,000 British and Ukrainian pupils set to benefit. An additional 300 schools across both countries will participate over the next three years. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called it a future-facing partnership that fosters connections between young people and helps build their confidence and skills.
Last January, Starmer visited Kyiv School Number 219 to launch the partnership, joining a class dialing into All Saints Catholic Primary School in Anfield. He heard how the programme delivers brighter futures for children in both countries through cultural exchanges and learning. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the initiative offers meaningful connection and friendship for children in Ukraine facing unimaginable challenges. The 100 Year Partnership includes efforts to ensure Ukraine’s long-term security through defence cooperation, trade, innovation in science and technology, and cultural ties. A landmark year saw a £1.6 billion deal to supply advanced air defence missiles to Ukraine, creating 200 jobs in Northern Ireland, and a 20 percent increase in UK exports.
