24Received 02.05.2025. Revised 09.07.2025. Accepted 18.08.2025.
Acknowledgements. This article was prepared with the support of a grant from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation for major scientific projects in priority areas of scientific and technological development no. 075-15-2024-551 “Global and Regional Centers of Power in the Emerging World Order”.
Abstract. The shifts in the U.S. approach to the Ukrainian conflict in 2025 influenced the balance of power in Europe. These changes run counter to the interests of Great Britain, which aims to assert leadership in Europe, particularly in aiding Ukraine and countering Russia. Following the inauguration of the 47th U.S. President, Donald Trump, the UK’s Labour government, therefore, took several steps to bolster its influence. These included announcing increased defence spending, ramping up aid to Ukraine, signing a One Hundred Year Partnership agreement with Ukraine, pursuing deeper cooperation with the European Union, negotiating a defence pact with the EU, forming a multinational “coalition of the willing” to prepare for potential troop deployments to Ukraine, etc. However, London faces constraints in all these areas. The study examines new directions in the UK’s foreign policy toward the Ukrainian conflict, its priorities and limitations. It identifies factors that may enhance or undermine the policy’s effectiveness. The article is divided into four sections: aid to Ukraine, domestic political landscape, changing dynamics in relations with the U.S., and evolving relations with the EU. The authors applied spatial and systemic approaches, statistical analysis, and document analysis. Conclusions. The UK’s internal economic and political challenges will drive continued anti-Russian and pro-Ukrainian policies. Yet objective constraints – from financial shortages to military-technological gaps – will prevent London from achieving its goals alone. Consequently, British leaders will prioritize maintaining “special relations” with the United States, securing a trade deal, preserving the American military presence in Europe – and simultaneously, deepening ties with both the European Union and individual member states, especially in security and defence. Each of these efforts, however, faces hurdles: UK internal problems, shifting of the U.S. policies, asymmetry in the U.S.–UK relations, EU defence protectionism and technological barriers.
Keywords: UK foreign policy, conflict in Ukraine, foreign aid to Ukraine, Keir Starmer, European security, U.S.–UK relations, EU–UK relations
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