British Prime Minister Andy Burnham arrived in Kyiv on Monday for his first official foreign visit since taking office, using Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day to reaffirm Britain’s commitment to the country’s defence against Russia.
During the visit, Mr Burnham is expected to announce that the UK Government has authorised European defence contractor MBDA to declassify technical information on British components used in the Anglo-French Storm Shadow/SCALP cruise missiles.
The move is intended to help Ukraine establish local missile assembly lines and, eventually, develop its own long-range precision-strike weapons, The Guardian reported.
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The visit comes as Ukraine faces renewed Russian attacks and mounting political pressure on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The decision forms part of a broader effort to support the establishment of missile production facilities in Ukraine, following a commitment by French President Emmanuel Macron last month.
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Although officials acknowledge that domestic production will take years to make a significant difference on the battlefield, the initiative represents an important step towards strengthening Ukraine’s long-term defence capabilities and reducing its reliance on foreign supplies.
Ahead of his arrival in Kyiv, Mr Burnham reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to Ukraine, saying the country’s support would remain steadfast.
“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 added that Britain would continue to support Ukraine both during the war and in its reconstruction afterwards.
“Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve. We will not back down until there is a just and lasting peace.”
Mr Burnham is also scheduled to co-chair a virtual meeting of the 34-nation “Coalition of the Willing” alongside Mr Macron, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expected to join discussions on strengthening Ukraine’s air defences.
He will also attend Ukraine’s Independence Day commemorations and receive an award recognising Britain’s support for the country’s defence.
Ukraine seeks more air defence systems
The diplomatic push comes amid growing demands for additional air-defence systems following a deadly Russian drone attack on a shopping centre in President Zelenskyy’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih on Friday, which reportedly killed 16 people.
With Ukraine’s stock of US-made Patriot interceptors reportedly running low, Mr Zelenskyy said Kyiv remained willing to purchase additional systems directly.
The Ukrainian president said he had requested 360 Patriot missiles ahead of the winter, while France had separately agreed to provide an air-defence system this year.
Germany is also expected to deliver about 600 interceptor missiles between 2027 and 2028. The latest British commitment is likely to further anger Moscow, which has repeatedly accused London of deepening its involvement in the war.
Russian authorities recently warned Britain against supporting strikes deep inside Russian territory using British-supplied weapons, saying that increased British involvement would come at a greater cost.
Tensions between Moscow and London also intensified after Russia withdrew its ambassador to Britain without immediately naming a replacement.
Mr Burnham, however, rejected the threats last week and insisted that Britain would continue to stand by Ukraine.
“We are not fair-weather friends. We will be there in Ukraine’s hour of need, and that won’t change.”
Mr Burnham’s visit also comes as Mr Zelenskyy faces increasing domestic pressure over Ukraine’s political future.
Former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for presidential elections, prompting Mr Zelenskyy to defend his decision to rule out holding a vote while the country remains at war.
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Speaking at a briefing over the weekend, Mr Zelenskyy argued that elections during an active invasion could threaten Ukraine’s stability and unity.
He said holding elections during the war would amount to a “tsunami for the state” that could divide the country.
