Burnham likens Ukraine fight to British stand against Nazis
Andy Burnham's first trip abroad as prime minister includes co-chairing a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing and holding talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The visit comes on Ukraine's Independence Day. DW has more.
On Monday, August 24, 2026, Ukraine marked its 35th anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union (CCCP) amid an ongoing fight against Russian aggression. European allies demonstrated their support by attending the anniversary events in Kyiv. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham accompanied Council of Europe President Antonio Costa to Kyiv, where they pledged their unwavering support to Ukraine.
Burnham compared Ukraine's resilience to that of the UK's resistance against Nazi Germany, emphasizing that Ukraine is "Europe's protector" and is fighting "heart and soul" for freedom. The UK announced it would provide Ukraine with long-range cruise-missile technology, despite Russia's threats. Meanwhile, Ukraine continued its missile and drone attacks on Russian infrastructure, pushing the Kremlin to authorize state control over critical facilities if they are not adequately protected.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed defiance, questioning whether the war's continuation might create divisions within Ukrainian society and the stability of his government.
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