- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived Monday in England for a meeting with Prime Minister Andy Burnham, a visit the British leader said is intended to signal the country's "unwavering" support for Kyiv.
- Burnham discussed support for Kyiv and the military needs of Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of interceptors to protect critical infrastructure.
- Burnham announced that the U.K. will provide intellectual property for its new "Stone Cloak" electronic warfare system, which can jam Russian air defenses.
- Zelenskyy’s visit was the first by a foreign leader since Burnham took office a week ago, highlighting the U.K.'s commitment to Ukraine.
- Burnham will be the fifth British prime minister to deal with Zelenskyy since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
- Russia should be in no doubt of the U.K.'s resolve, as Burnham stated, "we will not back down until we achieve long lasting and just peace for Ukraine."
- Zelenskyy expressed hope to build a "big, big factory" in Britain, indicating potential future collaboration.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Britain for a pivotal meeting with Prime Minister Andy Burnham, marking the first visit by a foreign leader since Burnham's recent appointment. The discussions centered on Ukraine's urgent need for ballistic missile interceptors to counter ongoing Russian attacks.14567
Burnham emphasized the U.K.'s “unwavering” support for Kyiv, stating, “It is intended to send a very clear message: we are with Ukraine 100%, I am personally with you 100%, and I will honor every commitment this country has made to Ukraine in full.” The prime minister also highlighted the importance of protecting Ukraine's critical national infrastructure during the harsh winter months.
In addition to missile defense, the U.K. will provide Ukraine with the intellectual property for its new “Stone Cloak” electronic warfare system, designed to jam Russian air defenses and enhance drone operations. Zelenskyy expressed optimism about the bilateral relationship, stating it is “stronger than ever.”3
As the fifth British prime minister to engage with Zelenskyy since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Burnham's commitment underscores the U.K.'s resolve. He asserted, “Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve, and we will not back down until we achieve long lasting and just peace for Ukraine.”
Zelenskyy also shared his aspirations for future collaboration, mentioning plans to establish a “big, big factory” in Britain, further solidifying the partnership between the two nations.
“During their meeting, Burnham emphasized the U.K.'s commitment to Ukraine, stating, 'we are with Ukraine 100%.' The discussions included Ukraine's urgent need for ballistic missile interceptors to protect critical infrastructure, particularly during the winter months.”
AP News
