Prime Minister Andy Burnham has arrived in Kyiv for his first official visit to Ukraine, using the trip to reaffirm the United Kingdom’s commitment to the nation’s defense. During the visit, Burnham met with President Volodymyr Zelensky and presided over his inaugural meeting of the “coalition of the willing,” a strategic group established by his predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer, alongside French counterparts.
A significant outcome of the visit is the government’s decision to allow the UK defense firm MBDA to declassify information regarding British-made components for the Scalp missile. By sharing these blueprints, the UK aims to enable Ukraine to manufacture the weapon domestically. The Scalp, a French variant of the British Storm Shadow cruise missile, measures 16.7 feet (5.10 meters) in length and weighs 1,300 kilograms. It is designed for all-weather, day-or-night operations against pre-planned, stationary targets and possesses a range of approximately 150 miles.
The Kremlin has reacted sharply to the announcement. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov claimed the move prevents any progress toward peace and warned that the Russian military is actively gathering data to locate and destroy any potential missile production sites. Peskov accused Britain of “adding fuel to the fire” and being directly involved in the conflict. In response, Burnham dismissed the rhetoric, questioning who initiated the aggression in the first place.
Addressing the broader security situation, Burnham emphasized that Ukraine acts as a protector for Europe, serving as the front line for continental safety. He urged the US Congress to increase economic pressure on Russia and called on international allies to exhaust their own air defense stocks to assist Kyiv. “This is the moment to keep up the pressure on Russia, the moment to squeeze their ability to fund this illegal war,” Burnham stated.
The Prime Minister also participated in an independence day event outside St. Sofia Cathedral, where he accepted an award from President Zelensky on behalf of the British people. Earlier in the day, he paid his respects at the National Military Memorial Cemetery by laying flowers at the graves of fallen Ukrainian soldiers.
The visit follows a period of intense Russian strikes, including a recent attack on a shopping center that resulted in at least 16 deaths. Additionally, regional authorities reported that two children were killed and seven others injured when debris from a Ukrainian drone struck a private children’s center in Russia. Separately, three people were killed in a Russian assault on the north-eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, according to regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov.
Defense Minister Luke Pollard noted that the UK is providing a variety of assets, including counter-drone measures and other air defense systems, to help Ukraine combat Russian cruise missiles. While the Scalp missile is not an interceptor, Pollard stressed that the technology transfer is vital for Ukraine’s ability to defend its civilian infrastructure, including housing and shopping centers, against ongoing bombardment.
Ukraine remains in urgent need of Patriot interceptor missiles to counter Russia’s ballistic missile threats. President Zelensky has requested 360 of these units, though he noted that the government is exploring additional options as US stockpiles face constraints due to global demands. Burnham maintained that the British position remains consistent: the UK will provide the necessary support for Ukraine to defend itself, regardless of the threats issued by Moscow.
The Russian embassy in the UK has accused Britain of deliberately escalating the crisis, warning that deeper involvement will carry a higher price. Despite these warnings, Burnham reaffirmed his stance from the previous week, stating, “We are not fair-weather friends, we will be there in Ukraine’s hour of need and that won’t change.” He concluded that the UK would not back down until a just and lasting peace is achieved. The report also notes that peskov said it prevented “even the slightest progress” towards achieving peace. The report also notes that britain methodically and regularly adds fuel to the fire,” he added. The report also notes that ahead of his visit, Burnham said: “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 report also notes that targeting oil refineries and warehouses of the country’s largest online retailer, Wildberries, kyiv has stepped up long-range attacks on Moscow and other Russian regions. The report also notes that it is capable of hitting targets around 150 miles into Russia – not as far as Ukraine’s deep strike drone capability but it is a significant step in showing the willingness of international partners to share weapons technology. The report also notes that the French Air Force, Italian Air Force and has been used in Iraq, Syria and Libya, mBDA adds that it is in service with the Royal Air Force.
