On Monday, August 24, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham arrived in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, to embark on his first overseas visit since taking office. Burnham is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and announce British support for Ukraine to expand domestic production of long-range missiles.
The British Prime Minister’s Office stated that the UK has agreed to allow the European missile manufacturer MBDA to disclose confidential information involving British-made components to facilitate the establishment of a production line for the “Storm Shadow” cruise missile in Ukraine, known as “SCALP” in France.
The UK government described this arrangement as part of its efforts to enhance Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities, in conjunction with the “Project Brakestop,” which aims to accelerate the development of cost-effective new long-range strike weapons with a range exceeding 500 kilometers. The project was initiated in 2024.
This visit coincides with the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, with Burnham reaffirming Britain’s support for Ukraine. He emphasized that Russia’s threats would only strengthen Britain’s stance, vowing that the UK will not back down until achieving a “fair and lasting peace.”
During his visit to Kyiv, Burnham will also co-chair the “Coalition of the Willing” meeting with French President Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and other allies.
The UK has been a key supporter of Ukraine. Since the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the UK has provided military, economic, and diplomatic assistance to Ukraine, with pledged military and civilian aid totaling over £25 billion (approximately $34 billion). The UK was also the first country to supply Western-made main battle tanks and long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine.
Tensions persist in UK-Russia relations amidst this visit. Last week, Russia warned the UK that continued provision of drones to Ukraine could have “consequences,” accusing Britain of further meddling in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Reports in the UK media previously indicated that British-made drones were used for the first time by Ukraine to launch long-range strikes on targets within Russia. The British Ministry of Defense has not confirmed the UK-made drones’ involvement in these attacks.
The UK government underscored its ongoing significant role in enhancing Ukraine’s security. The push for Ukraine to expand its domestic missile production aligns with Kyiv’s increasing reliance on long-range drones and other strike weapons to target Russian refineries and logistical facilities far from the front lines.
Burnham’s visit to Ukraine comes just weeks after Zelenskiy’s visit to the UK at the end of July, marking Zelenskiy as the first foreign leader to be received by Burnham after his appointment as Prime Minister.
Burnham officially assumed office as British Prime Minister on July 20, having previously served as Mayor of Greater Manchester.