UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has vowed to maintain Britain’s support for Ukraine despite what he described as “outrageous threats” from Russia during his first official visit to the country as prime minister.
Burnham met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and chaired his first meeting of the “coalition of the willing”. An alliance established by the UK and France under his predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer, to support Ukraine.
Speaking in Kyiv, Burnham urged allies to increase pressure on Moscow and called on the US Congress to “ratchet up” economic measures against Russia. The UK has also agreed to provide Ukraine with blueprints for British-made components used in the Storm Shadow cruise missile, allowing Kyiv to produce the long-range weapon domestically.
Storm Shadow is the UK’s version of the missile, while its French counterpart is known as SCALP. Burnham said allies were doing everything possible to strengthen Ukraine’s air defences, including drawing from their own stocks and encouraging other countries to do the same.
“This is the moment to keep up the pressure on Russia, the moment to squeeze their ability to fund this illegal war,” he said, while praising the resilience of the Ukrainian people.
“Ukraine has been Europe’s protector, not a drain on our security but the front line in keeping Europe safe.”
His comments came after the Kremlin criticised Britain’s decision to share the missile blueprints with Ukraine. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the move would prevent “even the slightest progress” towards peace and warned that Russia was already gathering information about Ukrainian missile production sites.
He accused Britain of becoming directly involved in the war.
“Britain is involved in this war on the side of the Kyiv regime. Britain methodically and regularly adds fuel to the fire,” Peskov said.
Burnham responded by questioning Moscow’s criticism.
“Who started the fire? That’s the question, isn’t it?” he said.
The British PM also said the provision of missile interceptors and other air-defence equipment would be a key issue discussed.
The warnings have raised concerns about the possibility of Russian retaliation against British or other European interests supporting Ukraine.
Post-Meeting Statement
Following the coalition meeting, Burnham, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a joint statement pledging to strengthen Ukraine’s air defences as an urgent priority.
The leaders condemned what they described as Moscow’s “systemic and escalating strikes” against Ukrainian cities, critical infrastructure and civilians.
They also pledged to increase pressure on Russia’s finances through sanctions and measures targeting its so-called “shadow fleet”. The fleet is used to transport Russian oil and circumvent Western restrictions.
The meeting underlined the coalition’s continuing focus on strengthening Ukraine’s ability to defend its territory.
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