On June 23rd, 2025, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy and agreed a deal on the sharing of Ukrainian defence-tech expertise. The deal is of mutual benefit to both countries and is also a step towards achieving the stated aim of Donald Trump’s minerals deal.

The deal allows for Ukrainian defence-tech expertise and data to be shared with Britain. This will allow for British manufacturers to produce battle ready and up to date drones which will then be exported to Ukraine. Essentially, Britain gains expertise and creates industrial jobs whilst Ukraine gains a trade partner and more battle ready drones for their war effort. The deal will be in effect for the next three years, demonstrating Britain’s commitment to Ukraine. 

As well as being a deal which brings practical benefits, it also serves as a symbolic gesture which strengthens Ukraine’s standing on the global stage. When creating the so called minerals deal, Donald Trump stated that a part of his ambition was to create greater economic ties between Ukraine and the West, so that Ukraine’s survival is tied to European and American economies. Whilst proving to be a slightly redundant deal, creating economic incentives for the West to support Ukraine is a good idea. This deal represents a small step towards integrating Ukraine into Europe and creating closer economic and cultural ties