UK PM Burnham to visit Ukraine, plans support for long-range missile production

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to visit Ukraine, marking his first overseas trip since taking office, with a key objective to enhance Kyiv's domestic production of long-range missiles. During his visit, Burnham will co-chair a meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing," a group of nations supporting Ukraine, and is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

A significant announcement expected from the visit involves Britain's agreement to allow European missile manufacturer MBDA to release classified details on British-made components used in the SCALP long-range cruise missile. This move is intended to facilitate the establishment of local assembly lines for the missile in France and Ukraine, leveraging shared British and French technology.

Burnham reiterated Britain's unwavering commitment, stating, "Ukraine's security is our security," and pledged that the UK would stand by Ukraine "for as long as it takes." This reassurance comes at a time when Russia has issued warnings of "consequences" for Britain's supply of drones to Kyiv, accusing London of deepening its involvement in the conflict.

The initiative to expand Ukraine's missile production capacity is crucial as the country increasingly relies on long-range strike capabilities to target Russian infrastructure deep behind enemy lines. Burnham's visit aims to solidify the UK's leading role in strengthening Ukraine's security under his new government, following President Zelensky's recent visit to Britain.

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Ukraine's security is our security. Britain would stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes.