Burnham says he wants to ‘repair bridges’ between Ukraine and US

Prime Minister Andy Burnham intends to mend relationships between Ukraine and the United States, prior to a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky at Downing Street. Zelensky arrived at the UK residence to a military ceremonial guard outside Number 10, marking a first for a foreign leader. This visit follows President Donald Trump's announcement of a deal with Moscow to import Russian diesel.

When confronted about Trump's move during Prime Minister’s Questions, Burnham declined to criticize the US president, aiming to "be careful" in mending ties. However, he emphasized that Zelensky would not leave the UK "empty-handed," promising further military and financial support in the following weeks. Burnham intends to advocate for additional sanctions against Russia and increase the UK's delivery of air defense missiles to Kyiv.

The UK will also encourage allies to intensify pressure on Russia, with Chancellor John Healey calling for a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) during IMF meetings. This is Zelensky's second visit to the UK since Burnham assumed the prime minister's role. While other world leaders have received military welcomes, Number 10 could not find a record of one occurring at Downing Street.

A King held a private audience with President Zelensky at Buckingham Palace during his UK visit. During Prime Minister’s Questions, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey questioned Burnham's condemnation of Trump, stating that the diesel deal was "another shameful Trump betrayal of the Ukrainian people and European security." Burnham did not echo Sir Ed's condemnation, stating that his role was to "repair bridges," so he should proceed cautiously in bringing people together at this moment.

The PM revealed he had spoken with Zelensky on the phone on Saturday, acknowledging the severe winter Ukraine would face. Zelensky dismissed Trump's offer as a gift to Putin, threatening that it would provide Moscow with funds to continue its war against Ukraine. Trump countered by saying Ukraine should have a new president. Meanwhile, Zelensky reported that at least 600,000 people across Ukraine lost power due to Russian missile and drone strikes, with critical energy infrastructure targeted.

Despite Trump's claim of a ceasefire on energy infrastructure strikes, Zelensky advocated for Ukraine to suspend strikes on Russian oil refineries and energy facilities if Moscow did the same. Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Ukraine does not deserve a ceasefire respite.