Key facts
- UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a new partnership to help Ukraine develop long-range missiles.
- The UK will allow European defense company MBDA to declassify information for Ukraine to build its own version of Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles.
- Burnham visited Kyiv, the only E3 leader to attend independence day festivities in person.
- The UK also signed a deal to access Ukraine's Avengers AI lab for battlefield technology collaboration.
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing criticism for not supplying Taurus missiles to Ukraine.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has intensified the UK's support for Ukraine by enabling the development of long-range missiles, marking his first significant foreign policy action since taking office. During his visit to Kyiv for Ukraine's independence day, Burnham announced that the UK government will permit European defense company MBDA to declassify information on British-made components of the Anglo-French Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles. This initiative aims to assist Ukraine in building its own version of these weapons.
The move contrasts with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who has faced criticism for backtracking on his previous calls to supply German-Swedish Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine after assuming office. Merz opted out of attending Kyiv's independence day festivities due to a domestic crisis, a decision that has drawn sharp remarks from within Germany, with some politicians stating it highlights Germany's limited credibility.
Burnham's visit also saw him co-chair the latest meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, a group of Ukraine's allies, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. He was the sole E3 leader present in Kyiv, highlighting his commitment to the alliance. Burnham stated that Russian threats would not deter British assistance, suggesting Russia is resorting to terror tactics. The new missile agreement, while not expected to impact the immediate conflict, signals a shift towards deeper UK cooperation with Kyiv and a more confrontational stance towards Moscow.
Additionally, the UK will gain access to Ukraine's Avengers AI lab, fostering collaboration on new battlefield technologies. Burnham emphasized the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia to hinder its war funding. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused Britain of exacerbating the conflict, while former UK officials and defense analysts described the move as a logical evolution of support, enhancing Ukraine's capabilities without being an escalation.