Andy Burnham, European leaders plan US trip to seek Patriot missiles for Ukraine - report
The leaders of Britain and France pledged to provide Ukraine with stronger military support, including access to classified technology and faster deliveries of air defense missiles.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and European leaders are scheduled to visit the United States in September to persuade US President Donald Trump to allow Ukraine access to some of its Patriot air defense missile stocks before the winter, according to a Bloomberg News report on Monday. Burnham expressed enthusiasm about attending the trip to New York, stating that he would likely go following a recent discussion.
The leaders of Britain and France committed to providing Ukraine with enhanced military support, including access to classified technology and swifter delivery of air defense missiles. Burnham, who made his first foreign trip to Kyiv since assuming office last month, urged the Coalition of the Willing to do everything possible to strengthen Ukraine's defenses against Russian airstrikes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky previously commended the resilience of the Ukrainian people during the ongoing four-year war. At the United Nations in New York, numerous countries issued a joint statement reaffirming their support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, urging Russia to accept an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire.
Zelensky thanked foreign leaders for their presence in Kyiv, marking the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence from the Soviet Union. Burnham emphasized his country's unwavering support for Ukraine, vowing to continue it despite Russia's threats. Britain plans to grant Ukraine classified technology to start producing Storm Shadow long-range cruise missiles, capable of striking deep within Russia.
France has already granted its approval for Europe to license the technology. Russia responded by warning that supplying drones to Ukraine would "add fuel to the fire" of their deteriorating relations. With Russia intensifying its ballistic missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, Kyiv urgently needs at least 300 Patriot interceptors to withstand the winter and fend off further strikes on the country's energy infrastructure.
French President Emmanuel Macron, co-chairing the coalition meeting via video link, emphasized the need for allies to accelerate deliveries of interceptors and pledged his country's support. Zelensky highlighted Ukraine's $27 billion defense funding shortfall this year and called for additional financial assistance, suggesting the use of Russia's frozen overseas assets to bridge the gap.
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