Key facts
- UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledged "rock-solid" support for Ukraine.
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to visit the UK on Wednesday.
- The UK will provide £45 million in surface-to-air missiles.
- Britain will ban Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.
- Over 5,000 Lightweight Multirole Missiles will be delivered to Ukraine over four years, funded by £1.6 billion.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham reaffirmed the UK's "rock-solid" support for Ukraine as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepares for a visit to Downing Street on Wednesday. Burnham urged allies to strengthen sanctions on Russia and called on President Vladimir Putin to agree to an energy ceasefire.
The visit comes after U.S. President Donald Trump temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian diesel exports last Friday. In response, Downing Street announced that the UK prime minister has asked ministers to develop proposals for further sanctions, military aid, and fiscal packages to support Ukraine in the coming weeks. Britain will deliver £45 million of surface-to-air missiles and implement a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. Additionally, the UK will accelerate deliveries of more than 5,000 Lightweight Multirole Missiles to Ukraine over the next four years, backed by £1.6 billion in funding.
Chancellor John Healey is expected to use meetings at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Bangkok to encourage other countries to impose a similar LNG ban, arguing it would curtail funding for Russia's war effort. European leaders are also anticipated to discuss stronger sanctions on Moscow at an upcoming European Council summit.