Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Andy Burnham Discussed Further Support for Ukraine and Signed a Declaration on an Artificial Intelligence Partnership

In Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who was on his first foreign visit to Ukraine. President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Burnham's solidarity with Ukraine and the United Kingdom's unwavering support since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. Zelenskyy presented Burnham with the "Gratitude of the Ukrainian People" state distinction, highlighting the strong support the UK has provided throughout the war, not only in military and financial terms, but also for its clear and firm stance from the beginning.

Burnham emphasized that the UK's support for Ukraine remains unchanged, regardless of which government or political party is in power. The leaders discussed strengthening Ukraine's air defense, focusing on anti-ballistic missiles, and the potential localization of Storm Shadow/SCALP missile production in Ukraine. They also talked about war-risk insurance to ensure the maritime corridor's operation and exports, valuing the London insurance market's role.

The two leaders discussed the need to increase pressure on Russia, urging it to engage in genuine negotiations despite its unwillingness to end the war. They signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on an Artificial Intelligence Partnership, which aims to build next-generation armed forces and accelerate the development of AI-enabled military capabilities to strengthen Ukraine's battlefield capabilities.