The meeting came ahead of Zelensky’s visit to Washington for discussions with US President Donald Trump on the war with Russia…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged the UK’s “unwavering support” for Ukraine during talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marking the first bilateral meeting with a foreign leader since taking office.
Zelenskyy met Burnham in England on Monday before travelling to Washington, DC, where he is due to discuss efforts to end Russia’s war on Ukraine with US President Donald Trump.
Burnham is the fifth British prime minister to work with Zelenskyy since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. He told the Ukrainian president it was “no accident” that he was the first international leader to be welcomed to the UK during his premiership.
“It is intended to send a very clear message: We are with Ukraine 100 per cent,” Burnham said. “I will honour every commitment this country has made to Ukraine in full.” Burnham also announced plans to visit Ukraine “soon”.
The two leaders travelled to a naval base in Portsmouth, where they met British armed forces personnel involved in training Ukrainian service members. The exercise focuses on strengthening combat capabilities and improving measures to counter mines in the Black Sea, according to the UK government.
Burnham’s office also announced that the UK will provide Ukraine with the intellectual property behind its new “Stone Cloak” electronic warfare system. The technology is designed to jam Russian air defences, helping drones avoid detection.
In a statement, Burnham said: “Britain stands with Ukraine shoulder to shoulder, and our support remains unwavering. Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve, and we will not back down until we achieve long-lasting and just peace for Ukraine.”
The visit came as Ukraine continues to seek additional military assistance, while US-led ceasefire negotiations have slowed and Washington’s attention has been diverted by the conflict involving Iran. Zelenskyy said he wanted to sign a strong “drone deal” with the UK to boost production and technology sharing. He also highlighted Ukraine’s urgent need for more air defence systems.
“We don’t have enough missiles to defend” against Russia’s ballistic missile attacks, Zelenskyy said. He added: “Moscow can increase the production of ballistic missiles and that’s why we need air defence as quick as possible.”
Downing Street said total UK support for Ukraine has reached £25 billion since 2022, including £16 billion in direct military assistance. During his visit to the United States, Zelenskyy is also expected to attend the funeral of US Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent supporter of Ukraine who died this month, a day after returning from a visit to the country.
