Russia to seize poorly protected infrastructure as Ukraine barrage persists

Andy Burnham, the UK Prime Minister, has pledged his ongoing support for Ukraine despite Moscow's "outrageous threats" during his first official trip to the country. Burnham met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and led the inaugural meeting of the "coalition of the willing," a group established by the UK and France under the watch of former UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

The coalition is committed to doing everything in their power to aid Ukraine while urging the US Congress to "ratchet up" economic pressure on Russia.

Burnham shared blueprints for British-made components of the Scalp missile, a French adaptation of the UK's Storm Shadow cruise missile, with Ukraine. This move enables Ukraine to manufacture the weapon domestically. The missile, weighing 1,300kg and measuring 16.7ft (5.10m), is capable of hitting targets around 150 miles into Russia. The UK government has authorized MBDA, a defense company, to declassify information on UK components for the Scalp missile.

During a meeting with France and Ukraine, Burnham urged allies to do everything possible to keep up the pressure on Russia and bolster Ukraine's defenses. He praised the "strength" of the Ukrainian people and emphasized that Ukraine has served as Europe's protector, not a burden on security. He questioned who started the fire that led to the conflict, a question directed at Russia.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized Burnham's decision to share missile blueprints, stating it prevented "even the slightest progress" towards peace. Peskov asserted that Russia's military was already gathering data to locate and destroy any missile production sites. Burnham responded, asking, "Who started the fire?"

The Kremlin has warned of "consequences" over the use of British drones by Ukraine in its recent intensification of strikes on Russian infrastructure. Ukraine has been targeting oil refineries and warehouses of the country's largest online retailer, Wildberries. Ukraine has requested 360 Patriot interceptor missiles but is working with countries on alternative options, as its stocks are dwindling due to the war in Iran.

Burnham reaffirmed the UK's commitment to supporting Kyiv, especially after recent Russian strikes on Ukraine, including one on a shopping center that killed at least 16 people. He laid flowers at the graves of Ukrainian soldiers during a service at the National Military Memorial Cemetery and accepted an award from Zelensky on behalf of the British people, in recognition of the UK's support for Ukraine.