Burnham to visit Kyiv on first foreign trip and reaffirm UK support for Ukraine

Andy Burnham, the newly appointed Prime Minister, embarks on his first foreign trip by visiting Kyiv on Monday. The primary purpose of his trip is to reaffirm the United Kingdom's unwavering support for Ukraine and celebrate its 35th Independence Day. Prior to the visit, Burnham expressed his commitment to Ukraine, stating, "On Ukraine's 35th anniversary of independence, the Ukrainian people should be in no doubt: the UK is behind you today and for as long as it takes."

He emphasized the strength of the friendship between Ukraine and the UK, adding, "Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve. We will not back down until there is a just and lasting peace."

During his visit, Burnham will chair the inaugural meeting of the "coalition of the willing," an initiative established by the UK and France, under his predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer. He will also receive an award from the British people, recognizing the UK's support for Ukraine. Furthermore, Burnham will participate in Independence Day events in Kyiv.

The timing of Burnham's visit is significant as Russia has been intensifying its strikes on Ukraine, including one on a shopping center on Friday that resulted in at least 16 deaths. Burnham underscored the relevance of his trip in the context of escalating Russian aggression, stating, "Ahead of Monday's visit, Burnham said: 'On Ukraine's 35th anniversary of independence, the Ukrainian people should be in no doubt: the UK is behind you today and for as long as it takes.'"

The visit also comes amidst Russia's warning of potential consequences over the use of British drones by Ukraine in its recent escalation of strikes on Russian infrastructure. Russian officials have accused Britain of deliberately escalating the Ukraine crisis, threatening higher stakes if the UK's involvement deepens. Burnham maintains that the UK will continue to provide support to Ukraine, ensuring its ability to defend itself, a stance that has remained consistent throughout the conflict since his ascension to the Prime Minister's office in July.

As part of his agenda during the visit, Burnham is set to announce that the UK government has granted permission for defence company MBDA to declassify information on UK components for the long-range Scalp missile – a French equivalent of the Storm Shadow missile. Both missiles share British and French technology, and President Emmanuel Macron is contemplating establishing local assembly lines for Scalp missiles in Ukraine.

Zelensky was among the first foreign leaders to visit Downing Street following Burnham's appointment as Prime Minister.