- UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham plans to travel to the US in September with European leaders to lobby US President Trump on Ukraine's defence needs.
- The trip would be his first to the US since becoming prime minister in July.
- Following his official visit to Ukraine on Monday, Burnham said he is quite clear what he needs to do in the next few weeks, and he promised to continue pressuring Russia.
- In a joint statement after the meeting in Ukraine, Burnham and co-chairs French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the group would aim to strengthen Kyiv's air defences "as a matter of urgent priority" and condemned Moscow's "systemic and escalating strikes".
- Burnham affirmed unwavering UK support for Ukraine, stating "the UK is behind you today and for as long as it takes" and that "Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve. We will not back down until there is a just and lasting peace."
- Burnham expressed confidence that the issue is fixable and noted that other players could help supply Ukraine with Patriots, saying "There are other players who could help in the mix who we have influence with."
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to visit the US in September alongside European leaders to advocate for Ukraine's defense needs during the UN General Assembly. This trip will be his first since taking office in July and follows his inaugural international visit to Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelensky and emphasized the UK's unwavering support for Ukraine.12
Burnham expressed confidence in addressing Ukraine's defense challenges, stating, "I'm looking forward to going to New York in September," although he noted that details of the trip are not yet fully confirmed. He aims to strengthen Kyiv's air defenses, which he described as an urgent priority, in a joint statement with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz after their meeting in Ukraine.4
During his visit, Burnham condemned Russia's escalating attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, pledging to constrain Russia's military capabilities through sanctions. He reiterated the UK's commitment to Ukraine, stating, "the UK is behind you today and for as long as it takes," and emphasized that Ukraine's security is intertwined with the UK's own.3
Burnham's remarks reflect a broader strategy to rally international support for Ukraine, highlighting the need for collaboration beyond the US in supplying defense resources. He remarked, "There are other players who could help in the mix who we have influence with," indicating a multi-faceted approach to bolstering Ukraine's defense.
“Burnham said he is 'looking forward to going to New York in September' when the UN General Assembly meets, though details are not 'fully confirmed'. He also expressed confidence the issue is 'fixable', noting other players could help supply Ukraine with Patriots.”
BBC
