Burnham to chair inaugural 'coalition of the willing' in Kyiv
The Prime Minister’s first foreign trip coincides with Ukraine’s 35th independence day, as the UK moves to declassify missile technology data and reaffirm institutional support amidst escalating diplomatic friction with Moscow.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is scheduled to travel to Kyiv on Monday for his first foreign visit, a trip timed to coincide with Ukraine’s 35th independence day. The government aims to use the occasion to solidify institutional ties, with Burnham set to chair the inaugural meeting of the "coalition of the willing," a grouping established by the United Kingdom and France under former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
The visit serves as a direct response to recent escalations in the conflict, including a Russian strike on a shopping centre on Friday that killed at least 16 people. Ahead of the trip, Burnham stated that the UK is behind Ukraine "for as long as it takes," asserting that Ukraine’s security is intrinsically linked to British security. He described the UK as "not fair-weather friends," a position he said has remained consistent across successive governments.
A key policy announcement accompanying the visit involves the defence sector. The government has agreed to allow defence company MBDA to declassify information on UK components for the long-range Scalp missile. This move is significant as the Scalp is the French equivalent of the UK's Storm Shadow, with both systems utilising shared British and French technology. President Emmanuel Macron is reportedly considering the establishment of local assembly lines for the missiles in Ukraine, though this decision has not yet been confirmed.
The diplomatic backdrop remains tense, with Moscow warning of "consequences" following reports that Ukraine used British drones in strikes on Russian infrastructure, including oil refineries and warehouses for the online retailer Wildberries. The Russian embassy in the UK accused Britain of "deliberately opting for an escalation," while Burnham maintained that the UK is providing support to allow Ukraine to defend itself.
Further signalling of shifting diplomatic dynamics, Russia confirmed that Ambassador Andrei Kelin has left his post in London. The Kremlin has yet to name a replacement, and while the Russian embassy told the BBC this does not reflect an intention to downgrade relations, the absence of a successor remains a point of uncertainty. Burnham is also expected to accept an award on behalf of the British people recognising the UK's contributions to Ukraine.
