UK’s Burnham pledges full support to Ukraine in first meeting with Zelensky
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met newly appointed UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham aboard the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth in Portsmouth on Monday, marking the first visit by a foreign leader since Burnham took office a week ago.
Burnham said the visit highlighted Britain’s “unwavering” backing for Ukraine in its defence against Russia’s invasion, telling Zelenskyy that the UK remained “100%” committed to honouring every pledge it had made to Kyiv. Zelenskyy described ties between the two countries as “stronger than ever.”
The leaders discussed Ukraine’s urgent need for additional ballistic missile interceptors to counter intensifying Russian attacks, particularly to protect critical infrastructure ahead of winter. Burnham said Britain would now follow up the issue with international partners.
Talks also focused on expanding joint defence production. Britain and Ukraine already cooperate on drone development, and Zelenskyy said he hopes to establish a major drone manufacturing facility in the UK.
The pair also met more than 200 Ukrainian troops taking part in a three-week British training programme aimed at improving combat skills and mine countermeasure operations in the Black Sea.
Zelenskyy’s visit comes ahead of a planned meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington on Tuesday, as Ukraine continues to seek greater military support from its allies.
