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UK PM Burnham Visits Kyiv, Pledges 'Unwavering Support' and Facilitates Missile Production
๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Germany /Conflict & Security

UK PM Burnham Visits Kyiv, Pledges 'Unwavering Support' and Facilitates Missile Production

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Ongoing story
  • British Prime Minister Andy Burnham made his first overseas trip to Kyiv, reaffirming the UK's unwavering support for Ukraine.
  • Burnham stated that Britain will stand with Ukraine "for as long as it takes" and urged Russia not to doubt their resolve for a just and lasting peace.
  • The UK is facilitating Ukraine's production of Scalp cruise missiles by allowing MBDA to share classified information, enhancing Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities.

New British Prime Minister Andy Burnham embarked on his inaugural foreign visit to Ukraine, signaling a strong and steadfast commitment from the United Kingdom. In Kyiv, Burnham met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscoring Britain's pledge to support the nation against Russia's ongoing aggression.

"Britain stands unshakably with the country attacked by Russia โ€“ and 'for as long as it takes,'" Burnham's office stated in a release. He added, "Russia should not doubt our resolve. We will not give up until there is a just and lasting peace." Burnham emphasized that Ukraine's security is intrinsically linked to Britain's own security, reinforcing the strategic importance of the conflict.

Great Britain stands unshakably with the country attacked by Russia โ€“ and 'for as long as it takes.' Russia should not doubt our resolve. We will not give up until there is a just and lasting peace.

โ€” Andy BurnhamStatement from the British Prime Minister's office outlining the UK's commitment to Ukraine.

Further solidifying this support, the British government has authorized the Franco-British-Italian defense company MBDA to transfer classified information. This move is intended to enable Ukraine to manufacture Scalp cruise missiles domestically. These missiles, known as Storm Shadow in the UK and Scalp in France, possess a range exceeding 250 kilometers, allowing for precise strikes deep behind enemy lines.

Burnham's visit coincides with Ukraine's 35th Independence Day celebrations, where he joined other international guests. His trip follows President Zelenskyy's earlier visit to Britain as Burnham's first foreign state guest after taking office. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to participate in a video conference of the "Coalition of the Willing" alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, with NATO's Deputy Secretary General also attending.

The security of Ukraine is also important for the security of Great Britain.

โ€” Andy BurnhamPrime Minister Burnham's statement on the strategic importance of Ukraine's security.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.