UK Prime Minister Visits Kyiv, Boosts Missile Aid on Ukraine's Independence Day

This initiative leverages shared French and British technology, integral to the Scalp missile.

Ukraine and France also plan to establish local assembly lines for the missile within Ukraine.

Burnham is understood to be chairing the inaugural meeting of the "coalition of the willing," an alliance established by the UK and France.

The Prime Prime Minister affirmed the UK's unwavering commitment, stating, "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."

This visit occurs as Kyiv reportedly increases long-range attacks on Russian regions, targeting critical infrastructure such as oil refineries and warehouses.

European leaders have condemned a recent drone attack on a shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih, which reportedly killed 16 people.

The diplomatic landscape remains tense; Russia's ambassador to the UK, Andrei Kelin, recently departed his post, with no replacement yet named.

The Russian embassy in London is currently led by a charge d’affaires, though Russia's embassy to the UK stated the ambassador's departure does not reflect an intention to downgrade diplomatic relations.

However, the Russian embassy in the UK has accused Britain of "deliberately opting for an escalation of the Ukraine crisis."

Mr. Kelin had previously accused the UK of choosing 'a path of confrontation' with Russia, with Russia claiming relations with Britain are at 'an unprecedentedly low level'.

Russia has previously threatened 'consequences' over Ukraine's use of British drones, stating that the deeper Britain became involved, 'the higher price it will pay'.

Burnham, however, remains resolute, declaring, "Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve. We will not back down until there is a just and lasting peace."

He further emphasised, "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."