Andy Burnham reaffirms UK’s support for Ukraine during visit
Andy Burnham has promised Britain is “100 per cent behind” Ukraine as he visits Kyiv on his first foreign trip to mark the country’s independence day, reports BritPanorama.
The prime minister is to chair his first meeting of the coalition of the willing as he arrives in Kyiv on Monday morning to signal Britain’s continued support for Ukraine. This visit comes amid deteriorating relations between the Kremlin and Downing Street, as Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine persists alongside threats from Moscow.
Mr Burnham is set to assure Ukrainians of the UK’s backing and reiterate that Russia’s threats only strengthen British resolve. “On Ukraine’s 35th anniversary of independence, the Ukrainian people should be in no doubt: the UK is behind you today and for as long as it takes,” he stated.
“I am proud of the contribution our country has made to Ukraine and I want the Ukrainian people to hear it directly from me that our support will not waver. After all, Ukraine’s security is our security,” he added. The prime minister emphasized the enduring friendship between the two nations, asserting that the UK will support Ukraine in both the fight against aggression and the rebuilding efforts to follow.
Earlier this month, Russia’s embassy to the UK expressed concern over reports that Ukrainian forces had used unmanned aircraft manufactured by two UK companies, suggesting that London is deliberately escalating the crisis. They accused Britain of “seeking to contain Russia and inflict maximum damage on it by proxy,” warning that increasing its involvement would lead to greater consequences for the UK.
The prime minister is also set to participate in Independence Day events and accept an award on behalf of the British people, recognizing the UK’s support. Furthermore, the government has permitted defence firm MBDA to release classified information regarding UK components for the long-range Scalp missile – a French-produced version of the UK’s Storm Shadow.
His visit underscores a commitment to continue Britain’s longstanding support for Ukraine, a pattern observed among all prime ministers since the onset of the war, with the exception of Liz Truss. Previously, Sir Keir Starmer, who established the coalition of the willing, assured during his visit that the UK’s support for Ukraine would “always endure.”
Relations between Moscow and Downing Street remain strained. Mr Burnham addressed the Kremlin’s accusations of UK escalation in the conflict, stating, “This is the UK doing what it has long said it would do, which is to support Ukraine 100 per cent against this illegal war led by Vladimir Putin.”
He reassured that Britain’s position is consistent, stating, “We are not fair weather friends. We will be there in Ukraine’s hour of need, and that won’t change.” Notably, the Kremlin has yet to appoint a successor to its ambassador to the UK after Andrei Kelin departed recently, while the charge d’affaires has assumed leadership, hinting at possible downgrades in diplomatic relations.
The visit reflects a clear intention to maintain British involvement and support for Ukraine during these challenging times.
