Zelenskyy in UK to meet new PM Burnham, secure drone deal and jamming tech

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in the United Kingdom for his first in-person meeting with new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, underscoring continued defense cooperation and unwavering British support. The leaders visited Ukrainian service members training at Portsmouth Naval Base, where they observed countermining measures for Black Sea operations.

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Volodymyr, you are the first leader I have welcomed in person since taking office and that is no accident. It is intended to send a very clear message. We are with Ukraine 100%, I am personally with you 100%, and I will honor every commitment this country has made to Ukraine in full.

Burnham emphasized the significance of Zelenskyy's visit, stating it sends a clear message of 100% solidarity from both himself and the country. He assured Zelenskyy that the UK would honor all its commitments to Ukraine in full. A key announcement was the provision of the UK's "Stone Cloak" electronic jamming technology, with thousands of units already supplied to Kyiv. This battle-tested technology can shield drones from Russian air defense systems, enhancing Ukraine's long-distance strike capabilities.

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We greatly appreciate that our team is the first to visit the United Kingdom since Andy Burnham took office. This is an important signal of support, and the Prime Minister assured us that this support remains unwavering.

Zelenskyy, posting on X, expressed gratitude for being the first foreign leader to visit the UK since Burnham took office, viewing it as an important signal of support. He hoped to finalize a "drone deal" to bolster Ukraine's drone production and technology sharing, noting the country's insufficient missile defense against Russian air attacks. Zelenskyy also highlighted Russia's increased missile production capabilities, stressing the urgent need for more air defense systems.

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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.

The visit comes as Ukraine shifts its strategy to increased attacks deep within Russia, targeting oil, military, and logistics installations. Burnham reiterated Britain's "unwavering support" and resolve, stating the UK stands "shoulder to shoulder" with Ukraine and will not back down until a just peace is achieved. Zelenskyy described the ties with the UK as "the strongest relationship in the entire h."

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We don't have enough missiles... Russia can increase the production of ballistic missile missiles and that's why we need air defense as soon as possible.