Senior British diplomatic representatives are expected to arrive in Kyiv for talks with Ukrainian officials on Sunday evening.
Senior British diplomatic officials are expected to travel to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, on Sunday evening for talks described by Ukrainian sources as a historic development in relations between the United Kingdom and Ukraine.
The meeting, scheduled for 19:00 on 11 October, was originally expected to include the British prime minister, but Ukrainian sources have confirmed that the leader will no longer attend because of a private matter.
Despite the change, the UK’s Permanent Secretary and Second Ambassador to the United Nations are still expected to participate in the discussions.
A source who spoke to BBC News on condition of anonymity said the meeting would mark the first formal establishment of diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and Ukraine within the international community.
The talks are expected to cover matters relating to bilateral relations, although the precise agenda has not been publicly disclosed.
Prime minister withdraws from planned visit
The British prime minister had been expected to attend the meeting but has reportedly withdrawn because of a private matter.
The British prime minister had initially been expected to travel to Kyiv for the diplomatic engagement.
However, shortly before the scheduled meeting, Ukrainian sources informed BBC News that the prime minister had withdrawn from the visit after communicating a private matter to Ukrainian representatives.
No further details concerning the reason for the withdrawal have been provided.
The change means that the British delegation will instead be represented by senior diplomatic officials.
The meeting is nevertheless expected to proceed, suggesting that both sides remain committed to establishing formal contact despite the prime minister’s absence.
Talks expected to mark first diplomatic relationship
The Ukrainian source described the planned meeting as particularly significant, claiming it would mark the first formal relationship between the United Kingdom and Ukraine in the current international community.
Although the full agenda remains undisclosed, the discussions are expected to provide an opportunity for both governments to establish diplomatic contact and consider future cooperation.
Ukrainian representatives indicated that the talks would involve sensitive matters, but declined to provide further information about the subjects under discussion.
There has been no official confirmation of any proposed agreement, treaty or joint declaration.
Meeting expected to proceed at 19:00
Despite the withdrawal of the British prime minister, Ukrainian sources have indicated that the meeting remains scheduled to take place in Kyiv at 19:00 on Sunday.
Attention will now turn to whether the British and Ukrainian delegations issue a joint statement following the discussions.
The identities of all participating officials and the full programme have not yet been confirmed.
BBC News will continue to follow developments from Kyiv as the two countries prepare for what Ukrainian sources describe as a historic diplomatic engagement.