UK PM Burnham visits Kyiv on first trip, authorizes MBDA to disclose missile component data to France, Ukraine

Published Aug 23, 11:05 PM UTC

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham travels to Kyiv on his first international trip as prime minister to mark Ukraine's 35th Independence Day. He will meet President Zelenskyy and chair his first meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, an international group supporting Ukraine. Burnham reaffirms Britain's unwavering support, stating 'the UK is behind you today and for as long as it takes.' He announces the government has authorized defence firm MBDA to release classified information on UK components for SCALP/Storm Shadow long-range missiles, allowing France and Ukraine to proceed with Ukrainian assembly of the missile. This comes amid heightened tensions after Ukraine used long-range British drones to strike targets inside Russia, prompting threats of 'consequences' from Moscow. The Kremlin has not replaced its ambassador to Britain, indicating deteriorating relations. Burnham dismisses Russian warnings, saying the UK will not back down until there is a just and lasting peace.