As Ukraine continues its fight for sovereignty and democratic survival well into the third year
of conflict, the United Kingdom continues to be one of its most reliable partners. While
British military and financial support has been significant, another element of the UK’s
engagement deserves closer attention. Through diplomacy, culture, education, and public
influence, British soft power has played a vital role in shaping global support for Ukraine,
and it will be essential in helping Ukraine recover and rebuild in the years ahead.

When Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, the UK was one of the first
countries to provide lethal aid to Ukraine. Under former Prime Minister Boris Johnson,
Britain committed more than £2.3 billion in military assistance in 2022 alone, including
thousands of NLAW anti-tank missiles, long-range artillery, and training for Ukrainian
troops. Johnson’s visits to Kyiv, even under threat of Russian bombardment, sent a powerful
diplomatic message. This early commitment helped shift international momentum and
encouraged broader support from NATO allies and beyond.

However, the UK’s influence has not rested solely on military support. British soft power, the
ability to shape preferences and build coalitions through appeal, credibility, and shared
values, has been instrumental in making Ukraine’s case to the world. The BBC’s global
coverage has played a crucial role in countering Russian disinformation and keeping
Ukraine’s story on the international agenda. The British Council has continued to work in
Ukraine, adapting its programming to focus on digital learning and cultural resilience.
Meanwhile, civil society organisations and academic institutions across the UK have opened
doors to Ukrainian scholars, students, and artists, providing both refuge and long-term
partnerships.

Importantly, British support has remained consistent through a change in government. Under
Keir Starmer’s Labour leadership, the UK has reaffirmed its military and financial
commitments, recently pledging a record £3 billion per year in military aid for as long as
needed. This bipartisan consensus gives the UK credibility on the international stage.
Whether through policy leadership in forums like the G7 or quiet diplomacy in Brussels and
Washington, the UK continues to act as a connector, helping maintain a fragile but vital
international coalition.

Ukraine’s own resilience has been nothing short of remarkable. Three years into the war, the
country has not only held the line against one of the world’s largest militaries, but has
adapted, modernised, and continued to function as a democratic state.

According to a February 2025 Carnegie Endowment analysis, Ukraine has retained strong
public trust in its government and armed forces. Over 75 percent of Ukrainians say they
believe in victory, despite the heavy toll of war. The economy, though battered, is showing
signs of recovery with growth projected at 3.5 percent in 2025, supported by a growing tech
sector and resilient agriculture exports via alternative Black Sea routes. More than 95 percent
of Ukrainian children remain enrolled in education, many through digital platforms developed
in wartime, and the country continues to hold regular elections, even under martial law.

This blend of resilience, innovation, and democratic commitment is precisely where British
soft power can offer long-term value. As Ukraine moves into the next phase, stabilisation,
reconstruction, and reform, the UK is well positioned to support institutional rebuilding,
public sector transparency, and civil society development. The British Council’s work on
education and English-language training has long-standing roots in Ukraine. UK universities
are already partnering with Ukrainian institutions on digital learning and post-conflict
research. British NGOs can also contribute meaningfully to anti-corruption efforts, judicial
reform, and decentralised governance.

Soft power is not a substitute for defence, but it is a vital partner to it. It helps shape the
environment in which policies are made, alliances are built, and futures are imagined.
Ukraine’s struggle is not only about territory, but about the kind of country it will become.
That is where values-driven influence matters.

The UK’s leadership in providing weapons and aid remains essential. But its cultural
credibility, media influence, educational networks, and diplomatic outreach are just as
important in sustaining Ukraine’s democratic direction. British soft power can help Ukraine
not only defend itself, but also rebuild schools, restore public trust, and strengthen democratic
norms in the face of ongoing pressure.

In short, Britain has shown that it still holds global influence — not only on the battlefield,
but in the battle of ideas. By continuing to invest in soft power, the UK can remain a vital
partner in Ukraine’s future, supporting its defence, infrastructure, and democratic resilience
as a sovereign European nation.

Looking ahead, I believe the future of UK–Ukraine cooperation is not only bright but
essential. As Ukraine rebuilds, Britain has both the capacity and the motivation to be a key
partner, from infrastructure investment and institutional reform to education, technology, and
cultural exchange. Diplomatic ties are likely to deepen further, grounded in shared
democratic values and strengthened by the trust built during wartime. With sustained political
will and public support, the UK can play a long-term role in supporting Ukraine’s recovery
and its path to a secure, democratic, and European future.