Britain to help Ukraine build long-range missiles on Kyiv visit

Prime Minister Andy Burnham arrived in Kyiv on Monday, Ukraine's Independence Day, promising to boost the country's ability to produce its own long-range missiles. This marks Burnham's first foreign visit as prime minister and comes at a critical juncture in the war, with Ukraine bracing for further Russian attacks and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy facing domestic challenges.

“

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.

The UK government will allow the European defense company MBDA to declassify information on UK-made components for the Anglo-French Storm Shadow/Scalp missiles. This move will enable Ukraine to develop its own version of the weapon. While the full impact of this initiative might take years, it is expected to heighten tensions with Moscow.

“

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.

Burnham stated that the UK stands with Ukraine for the long haul, asserting that "Ukraine’s security is our security." He emphasized that the friendship between the two nations will outlast Russia's "illegal war" and pledged continued support for Ukraine's fight and future rebuilding efforts. "Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve. We will not back down until there is a just and lasting peace," he added.

“

The friendship between our two countries will long outlast Russia’s illegal war. In both the fight and in the rebuilding to come, we will stand with Ukraine and deliver opportunities for people across both our countries.

The UK's assistance in setting up missile assembly lines in Ukraine follows a similar promise made by French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron had previously pledged to deliver separate interceptor missiles to counter Russia's high-speed attacks. Meanwhile, European leaders condemned a recent drone attack on a shopping center in Kryvyi Rih that killed 16 people.

“

Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve. We will not back down until there is a just and lasting peace.