Burnham to Kyiv: UK pledges steadfast support amid Russian escalation



Andy Burnham and Volodymyr Zelensky walking side‑by‑side at a naval base, both wearing black suits.
Andy Burnham (left) and Volodymyr Zelensky during the Kyiv visit.


Prime Minister Andy Burnham marks his first foreign trip by flying to Kyiv on Monday. The visit is aimed at reinforcing the United Kingdom’s support for Ukraine and celebrating the country’s 35th anniversary of independence.


Burnham will chair a meeting of the "coalition of the willing", formed by the UK and France under his predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer. During the meeting he is expected to accept an award on Britain’s behalf and take part in the Independence Day festivities.


The UK’s backing comes amid escalating Russian strikes, including a recent missile attack that destroyed a shopping centre and killed at least 16 civilians. Burnham urged the Ukrainian people that the UK will not waver: "Our support will not waver. Ukraine’s security is our security."


In response to Russia’s recent warning that Britain’s escalation will have consequences, Burnham reminded that the UK has "been supporting Ukraine since the conflict began" and that the partnership will last beyond the war.


He also announced the government’s agreement to allow defence company MBDA to declassify information on UK components used in the long‑range Scalp missile, the French equivalent to Britain’s Storm Shadow. President Emmanuel Macron has plans to establish local assembly lines for the Scalp in Ukraine.


Zelensky, the first foreign leader welcomed to Downing Street after Burnham became prime minister, will meet the prime minister during the trip. Meanwhile, Russia has recalled its ambassador to London, although it has made no official statement on downgrading relations.


In line with his earlier statements, Burnham said: "We are not fair‑weather friends; we will be there in Ukraine’s hour of need.”