The UK and other EU Member-States recognised Ukraine's independence on 30 December 1991.  The UK Consulate-General in Kyiv, which had opened in November, became an Embassy in January 1992.  Ukraine opened an Embassy in London in October 1992 and a Consulate-General in Edinburgh in February 2002.

Political relations between the UK and Ukraine are in excellent shape.  There is regular bilateral contact at the highest level.  Prime Minister Gordon Brown and President Viktor Yushchenko have met three times since the start of 2008. Following President Yushchenko's visit to London in May 2008 the UK and Ukraine issued a Joint Statement.  The UK Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, visited Kyiv in August 2008.  He was followed by His Royal Highness the Duke of York in October and the UK Minister for Europe, Caroline Flint, who visited Kyiv and Crimea in December.  Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Volodymyr Ohryzko, visited the UK in March 2008.  In addition, there is on-going contact between senior officials of both countries.

Political dialogue between the UK and Ukraine covers the full range of international issues.  The UK and Ukraine co-operate extensively and productively in international organisations such as the United Nations, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the Council of Europe.  

The UK supports Ukraine's aspiration to become a member of the European Union (EU).  The UK's position is clear: Ukraine is a European country.  It therefore has the right to apply for membership under existing EU treaties.  Ukraine should be admitted as a member of the EU once it has fulfilled the criteria.  Besides political support, the UK is providing practical assistance to Ukraine so that it can achieve this objective.

The UK also welcomes Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations.  The UK supports the goal of Ukraine's membership of NATO if that is what the Ukrainian public want.  The UK supports closer co-operation between Ukraine and NATO in the meantime.  Again, the UK is providing political and practical assistance to this end.

Continued internal reform is essential if Ukraine is to realise the goal of deeper integration with the EU and NATO.  The UK will continue to work with Ukraine, and with its EU and NATO partners, to ensure that this happens.  

Political Section contacts:

• Duncan Allan (Head of Political Section)
• Sarah Bewley (First Secretary)
• Stephen Ball (Second Secretary)
• Susan Evans (Third Secretary)
• Elena Korostyshevska (Political Officer)
• Katya Bykova (Political Assistant)