UK Pledges Advanced Warfare System to Ukraine Amid Zelensky's London Visit
President Zelensky meets Prime Minister Burnham as Britain commits intellectual property for 'Stone Cloak' electronic warfare system.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Sarah Connor
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in London for critical talks with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, focusing on deepening military cooperation.
Prime Minister Burnham declared, "Volodymyr, you are the first leader I have welcomed in person since taking office, and that is no accident." This statement solidified a policy of robust support.
The Ministry of Defence has already supplied thousands of jammers to Ukrainian forces. This forms part of a broader, sustained effort to bolster Ukraine's defensive capabilities.
The leaders' meeting unfolded against the backdrop of the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth. A naval band played national anthems, setting a solemn tone for the high-stakes discussions.
It is intended to send a very clear message: we are with Ukraine 100%, I am personally with you 100%, and I will honour every commitment this country has made to Ukraine in full.
Prime Minister Burnham affirmed the UK's unwavering commitment, declaring, "It is intended to send a very clear message: we are with Ukraine 100%, I am personally with you 100%, and I will honour every commitment this country has made to Ukraine in full."
The UK's total support for Ukraine has reached £25 billion since Russia's invasion. This includes a substantial £16 billion specifically designated for military assistance.
The UK has pledged to spend 3.5% of its GDP on defence by 2035. A further agreement at a Nato summit targets 5% by 2035, signalling a significant long-term investment in security.
Prime Minister Burnham vowed to maintain his predecessor's robust support for Ukraine, ensuring policy consistency. He stated, "I’m absolutely committed to what we’ve promised our NATO partners."
During his visit, President Zelensky and Prime Minister Burnham will meet over 200 Ukrainian military personnel. These personnel are currently participating in Exercise Sea Breeze in the UK, honing crucial skills.
The ongoing conflict exacts a heavy toll. One person was reportedly killed and seven wounded in recent Russian strikes on Ukraine.
Kyiv experienced a ballistic missile attack from Russia on Sunday. The conflict's reach extends far beyond the front lines.
In Moscow, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed air defenses downed 276 Ukrainian drones overnight. The Rostov region’s governor, Yuri Slyusar, reported a family couple died when a Ukrainian drone hit an apartment building in Rostov-on-Don.
President Zelensky stated Ukrainian long-range strikes in the Caspian Sea over the weekend achieved “very good results.” These strikes targeted “vessels involved in transporting military cargo linked to Iran, as well as a warship.”
Ukrainian and American officials have discussed a proposal for an air ceasefire to present to Russia. This initiative aims to revive stalled peace talks and seek a diplomatic path forward.
President Zelensky is scheduled to meet with Donald Trump in Washington DC on Tuesday. This indicates broader diplomatic efforts to garner international support.
Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve and we will not back down until we achieve long-lasting and just peace for Ukraine.
Prime Minister Burnham concluded, "Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve and we will not back down until we achieve long-lasting and just peace for Ukraine." The UK maintains a firm stance.
Sir Keir Starmer also visited Kyiv on his final full day as Labour leader. His presence demonstrated a cross-party consensus on supporting Ukraine.