Introduction
The British Embassy Kyiv represents the Government of the United Kingdom in Ukraine. It works to strengthen diplomatic relations, support Ukraine’s security and democratic development, advance economic cooperation and provide services to British nationals.
The Embassy forms part of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
History and Background
The United Kingdom formally recognised Ukraine’s independence in 1991, and diplomatic relations were established in 1992. Since then, the British Embassy Kyiv has played a central role in building cooperation between the two countries.
Its responsibilities have expanded significantly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Embassy now supports Ukraine’s defence, resilience, reconstruction, institutional reforms and integration with European and Euro-Atlantic structures.
Mission and Purpose
The Embassy seeks to advance the United Kingdom’s foreign-policy priorities while strengthening the long-term UK–Ukraine partnership.
Its principal priorities include:
- Supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity
- Strengthening democratic institutions
- Advancing governance and judicial reforms
- Supporting Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction
- Improving national and regional security
- Promoting human rights and social inclusion
- Supporting veterans and vulnerable communities
- Countering disinformation
- Expanding bilateral trade and investment
- Providing assistance to British nationals
Governance and Structure
The British Embassy Kyiv operates under the FCDO and is accountable to the UK Government.
The Embassy is led by Sir Neil Crompton KCMG CBE, British Ambassador to Ukraine. Charlotte Surun OBE serves as Deputy Head of Mission.
Its teams work across diplomacy, development, security, defence, communications, economic cooperation and consular affairs.
The Embassy is currently operating a limited diplomatic function from Kyiv and does not provide routine in-person consular assistance.
Funding and Grants
The British Embassy Kyiv administers competitive funding programmes for nonprofit organisations, international organisations, international NGOs and Ukrainian civil society organisations.
Funding mechanisms include:
- UK Integrated Security Fund
- Enabling Fund
- Official Development Assistance programmes
- Thematic calls for proposals
- Strategic communications funding
- Veterans’ affairs programmes
- Governance and institutional reform projects
Applicants are generally expected to submit a project proposal, logical framework and activity-based budget. The Embassy conducts due diligence and may request organisational references.
Funding calls commonly require projects to demonstrate:
- Sustainable and measurable outcomes
- Gender equality and social inclusion
- Environmental responsibility
- Complementarity with other donor programmes
- Financial accountability
- A clear exit or sustainability strategy
Major Programs and Initiatives
- Integrated Security Fund: Supports security, governance, institutional resilience and national reform initiatives.
- Enabling Fund: Finances smaller and innovative projects that complement larger UK programmes.
- Strategic Communications: Strengthens Ukraine’s ability to conduct evidence-based public communications and respond to disinformation.
- Veterans’ Affairs: Supports national policies, coordination and services for veterans and their families.
- Democratic Governance: Strengthens institutions and assists reforms connected to EU, IMF and NATO standards.
- Human Rights and Inclusion: Supports persons with disabilities, LGBT people, children, displaced communities and people affected by occupation.
- Recovery and Reconstruction: Assists national and local authorities in planning sustainable recovery.
- Research and Innovation: Encourages cooperation between British and Ukrainian academic, scientific and technology institutions.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
British Embassy-supported programmes have contributed to:
- Stronger Ukrainian democratic institutions
- Improved government communications
- Support for veterans and their families
- Protection of vulnerable populations
- Independent media and civil society development
- Local and regional recovery planning
- Institutional capacity building
- Human-rights protection
- Technology and research cooperation
- Ukraine’s alignment with European standards
In 2026, the Embassy announced Integrated Security Fund opportunities offering up to £1.5 million for strategic communications and veterans’ affairs projects.
A separate Integrated Security Fund call published in July 2026 offers up to £700,000 for one selected nonprofit-led project. The closing date is 20 August 2026.
Conclusion
The British Embassy Kyiv is a major diplomatic and development partner supporting Ukraine’s security, governance, recovery and international integration. Its funding programmes provide opportunities for eligible NGOs, civil society organisations and international institutions working on UK–Ukraine priorities.
Applicants should review each call carefully because eligibility, funding amounts, implementation periods and thematic requirements vary.
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