UK Bolsters Ukraine's Defences Amid Russian Threats
Andy Burnham visits Kyiv for Independence Day as Britain pledges classified missile data and confronts Moscow over shadow fleet seizures.
Carla Rooney
Andy Burnham is in Kyiv today to mark Ukrainian Independence Day.
The Ministry of Defence illuminated its main building and the Palace of Westminster with the colors of the Ukrainian flag, marking the nation's independence day.
Diplomatic tensions with Russia remain critically high; Russia's ambassador to the UK, Andrey Kelin, was withdrawn over a month ago and remains unreplaced.
The Russian Embassy in the UK warned of consequences after British-made drones were reportedly used in Ukrainian strikes on Russia, claiming "the deeper [the UK’s] involvement in the conflict… the higher price it will pay."
Royal Marine Commandos boarded the Smyrtos, a shadow fleet vessel, in the English Channel for allegedly breaching sanctions on illicit Russian oil.
Vladimir Putin has reportedly threatened Britain and other NATO countries that seized "shadow fleet" oil tankers, which Russia uses to fund its war effort.
Burnham will chair a meeting of the coalition of the willing, an alliance comprising 34 countries established by predecessor Sir Keir Starmer.
The Prime Minister will take part in Independence Day events and accept an award on behalf of the British people.
On Ukraine’s 35th anniversary of independence, the Ukrainian people should be in no doubt: the UK is behind you today and for as long as it takes.
Burnham stated, "On Ukraine’s 35th anniversary of independence, the Ukrainian people should be in no doubt: the UK is behind you today and for as long as it takes."
He added, "I am proud of the contribution our country has made to Ukraine and I want the Ukrainian people to hear it directly from me that our support will not waver. After all, Ukraine’s security is our security."
Every UK prime minister except Liz Truss has visited Ukraine since the war with Russia began; Burnham’s visit is reportedly designed to send a message to Putin after a series of Russian threats.
Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve. We will not back down until there is a just and lasting peace. The friendship between our two countries will long outlast Russia’s illegal war. In both the fight and in the rebuilding to come, we will stand with Ukraine and deliver opportunities for people across both our countries.
Burnham declared, "Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve. We will not back down until there is a just and lasting peace."
He concluded, "The friendship between our two countries will long outlast Russia’s illegal war. In both the fight and in the rebuilding to come, we will stand with Ukraine and deliver opportunities for people across both our countries."