Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was welcomed by King Charles at Buckingham Palace, as he visits the UK to finalise a new defence agreement.
The monarch greeted Mr Zelensky on Tuesday afternoon, with a warm handshake and photograph.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, preparing to host the president for the signing of a new defence declaration, emphasised that allies must "work in lockstep" to ensure global security.
Downing Street stated the partnership with Kyiv will combine "Ukrainian expertise and the UK’s industrial base" to manufacture and supply drones and other capabilities.
The agreement includes a £500,000 UK investment in a new "AI centre of excellence" in Kyiv. Experts there will explore how the technology can best be used for a "battlefield advantage", No 10 confirmed.
The partnership also aims for closer defence industry co-operation with third countries to bolster international security.
Ukraine has become a major producer of advanced, battle‑tested drone‑interceptor technology, and British officials have said Russia and Iran are now sharing drone tactics in the Middle East.
The meeting comes at a time of heightened global instability in light of the Middle East conflict, during which US President Donald Trump has vented frustrations with the UK and other countries over the extent of their involvement, and the Ukraine war.
Sir Keir said: “We must work in lockstep with our partners and allies to deliver security at home and abroad, and this new partnership with Ukraine will do just that.
“Drones, electronic warfare and rapid battlefield innovation are now central to national and economic security, and that has only been further magnified by the conflict in the Middle East.
“By deepening our defence partnerships, we are strengthening Ukraine’s ability to defend itself from Russia’s brutal, ongoing attacks, while ensuring the UK and our allies are better prepared to meet the threats of the future.”
The new declaration will build on the 100-year partnership, which was signed last year by the two leaders and aims to set out a path for continued solidarity with war-torn Kyiv, including financial support.
