PM pledges continued support for Ukraine ahead of Zelensky visit

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged the UK's continued "unwavering" support for Ukraine as he prepares to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday. Zelenskyy's visit marks his first international engagement with Burnham since the latter took office a week prior, an event Downing Street highlighted as illustrating the strong relationship between the two nations.

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Britain stands with Ukrain, shoulder to shoulder, and our support remains unwavering. Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve, and we will not back down until we achieve long lasting and just peace for Ukraine.

The leaders are scheduled to visit a naval base where Burnham will announce the sharing of intellectual property for the UK's new "Stone Cloak" electronic warfare system. This move will empower Ukraine to produce the technology at scale. Burnham stated, "Britain stands with Ukraine, shoulder to shoulder, and our support remains unwavering." He added that the "Stone Cloak" represents "homegrown British innovation" proven on the front lines and is crucial for the security of both countries.

The "Stone Cloak" devices are electronic jammers, roughly the size of a tablet computer, designed to prevent drones from being detected. The Ministry of Defence has already supplied thousands of these devices to Ukrainian forces to enhance their drone operations. Following its deployment in Ukraine, the technology is slated for integration into the UK's next generation of long-range weapons, including cruise missiles developed under Project Brakestop.

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Stone Cloak is the best of homegrown British innovation and proven on the frontline, and it will be vital to protecting our security in both our countries.

During the visit, Burnham and Zelenskyy will also meet over 200 Ukrainian military personnel who have been participating in a three-week maritime exercise in the UK aimed at bolstering warfighting capabilities and counter-mine measures in the Black Sea. Britain's support for Ukraine has been consistent since Russia's invasion, with a total commitment of £25 billion for the country's defense efforts. Burnham had spoken with Zelenskyy shortly after becoming prime minister, inviting him for an early visit.

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I truly appreciate that the support for Ukraine and our people will remain steadfast.