UK may deploy military bases in Ukraine

A declaration about a 100-year partnership between Ukraine and the United Kingdom has been signed, which potentially permits the establishment of UK military bases on Ukrainian territory.

The declaration, signed alongside the 100-year Partnership Agreement last week, states that the UK will work with Ukraine to identify common defence needs and work together to expand the range of capabilities and technologies that both countries can produce together.

"The Participants will explore options for deploying and maintaining defence infrastructure in Ukraine, including military bases, logistics depots, reserve military equipment storage facilities and war reserve stockpiles. These facilities could be utilised to bolster their own defence capabilities in the event of a significant military threat," the document reads.

This provision in the declaration is currently presented as a theoretical possibility. The specifics regarding the placement of potential military bases remain unclear.

In addition, the relationship between this plan and Article 17 of the Ukrainian Constitution, which prohibits foreign military bases on Ukrainian territory, remains uncertain.

The 100-year Partnership Declaration is politically framed as part of the broader Agreement on the Century Partnership, but legally, this document is not tied to the agreement and does not require ratification.

On 16 January, Ukraine and the UK signed a historic agreement for a 100-year partnership aimed at deepening security ties and strengthening cooperation for future generations.