Key facts
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will meet British Prime Minister Andy Burnham in London on Wednesday.
- Britain will accelerate the delivery of more than 5,000 British-made lightweight multi-role missiles to Ukraine.
- The UK is also pushing for a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas exports.
- Burnham stated that Britain's support for Ukraine is vital for UK safety and for those on the frontlines.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is set to meet British Prime Minister Andy Burnham in London on Wednesday, with the UK poised to reaffirm its commitment to Ukraine through a new aid package, including surface-to-air missiles.
The meeting occurs at a challenging time for Zelenskiy, following comments from US President Donald Trump suggesting he should be replaced and a US-Russia deal to lift sanctions on Russian diesel exports. Britain has stated it does not support the diesel deal and is urging allies to maintain economic pressure on Moscow.
Burnham emphasized Britain's unwavering support, stating, “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 planned military support includes £45 million for surface-to-air missiles designed to counter Russian drones, with £10 million of this package being fast-tracked to address an urgent need. Burnham has also instructed officials to develop proposals for additional sanctions, military aid, and fiscal support. Furthermore, British foreign and finance ministers are actively engaging with allies to encourage them to follow Britain's lead in banning maritime services that facilitate Russian liquefied natural gas exports.