Key facts
- Burnham pledged to speed up delivery of lightweight multirole missiles to Ukraine.
- Burnham stated his role is to repair bridges and bring people back together.
- Sir Ed Davey questioned Burnham's position on Trump's decision to rip up international sanctions on Russia.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in London, pledging increased financial and military aid. The visit follows months of diplomatic efforts to shore up support for Ukraine as the conflict enters its fifth year. Burnham's administration issued a press notice promising to "go further and faster" in aiding Ukraine, specifically mentioning speeding up the delivery of lightweight multirole missiles. The meeting occurred amid concerns about US support under President Donald Trump, who had previously threatened more sanctions on Russia and promised Ukraine greater access to air defence technology. Burnham carefully avoided direct criticism of Trump, stating his role was to "repair bridges" and bring parties together. The King also held an audience with President Zelensky at Buckingham Palace. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey questioned Burnham's stance on Trump's decision to lift international sanctions on Russia, calling it a "shameful Trump betrayal." Burnham acknowledged it was a "very dark and difficult moment" for Zelensky but reiterated his focus on reconciliation.