British Prime Minister Andy Burnham welcomes Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at 10 Downing Street in London on Wednesday.
By SHAMLAL PURI, Senior Editor -UK & Associate Publisher
Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledged the UK’s rock-solid support for Ukraine as long as it takes.
Meeting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday at 10 Downing Street, Mr Burnham said Britain’s support for Ukraine will not change.
The two leaders began by reflecting on their call on Saturday, and Russia’s blatant, indiscriminate attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure since President Donald Trump of the US called for an energy ceasefire, meaning no attacks on energy installations. The ink had barely dried on Trump’s announcement that Putin unleashed attacks on whatever Russians could target, making a mockery of the ceasefire.
On arrival at Downing Street, Burnham embraced Zelenskyy as he was given a red-carpet welcome and a Guard of Honour, after Foreign Office officials greeted him with cheers.
The two leaders met after the wartime leader met with King Charles at Buckingham Palace.
Prime Minister Burnham and President Zelenskyy discussed issues affecting Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia and in the wake of Putin’s relentless attacks on Kyiv.
The British Prime Minister told Mr Zelenskyy, “You have seen the solidarity and the support you have got from everybody in Britain.”
The meeting was important, as the Ukrainian leader was in London to seek support after President Donald Trump’s deal to buy oil from Putin, despite warnings that Washington would impose high tariffs and risk sanctions if other countries dared to buy oil from Russia.
President Zelenskyy’s visit is tied to the UK’s call on international partners to step up sanctions on Russia and increase pressure on Putin to respect the United States’ call for an energy ceasefire.
In return, President Zelenskyy said he was “thankful” for the support, and “very proud” that the British people had proved “one of the strongest partners in our history”.
The meeting comes as Ukraine faces one of its worst bombardments from Russia since the conflict began.
It also comes as the UK doubles down on support for Ukraine, including delivering £45 million in surface-to-air missiles and standing by plans to fully implement a maritime services ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, restricting Russia’s access to the UK’s world-leading shipping and insurance services.
The UK will also accelerate deliveries of British Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs), which have proven extremely effective against jet-powered drones used to strike far beyond Ukraine’s front lines, including Kyiv and beyond.
The drones are faster and can fly far higher than propeller-driven Shaheds, making them harder to detect and destroy before they hit targets.
The UK has already committed £1.6 billion to deliver more than 5,000 LMMs to Ukraine over the next four years. It will accelerate £10 million of the £45m missile package announced today to meet Ukraine’s most urgent winter requirements.
Ahead of the two leaders meeting, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “Our rock-solid support to Ukraine is vital for keeping us safe here in the UK and ensuring those on the frontlines have the equipment they need to push back Russia.
“My message to the Ukrainian people could not be clearer: we are with you for as long as it takes, and we will go further and faster in our support to back your courageous fight for peace in Europe.
“It is not just the right thing to do, but it’s the necessary thing to do. Russia’s aggression cannot be allowed to succeed on our continent.”
The Prime Minister has also asked Ministers to draw up further sanctions, military aid, and fiscal packages to provide urgent support in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Chancellor John Healey used his meetings at the IMF in Bangkok to urge partners to fully implement an equivalent ban on Russian LNG, following the UK’s lead. This follows the Foreign Secretary’s call for the same at the Warsaw Security Forum earlier this week.
As Russia continues its bombardment of Ukraine’s capital Kyiv and energy infrastructure, the Chancellor argued that this must be met by European resolve and unity – ensuring our unshakeable commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty stands strong.
Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey said:
“Conflict in the Middle East and in Europe is hitting people across the world. As the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Putin continues, our commitment to the Ukrainian people is unshakeable. I urge partners to back the ban on Russian LNG, like we have done in the UK, to curtail the war chest funding Putin so desperately wants.”
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