Andy Burnham will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Downing Street on Wednesday as the UK intensifies its support for Ukraine amid rising Russian missile and drone attacks. This meeting highlights the UK’s commitment, contrasting Zelenskyy’s challenging interactions with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The UK government stated Burnham’s message to Zelenskyy and his people will be clear: “We are with you for as long as it takes.” This declaration follows Zelenskyy’s previous visits to the UK, including meetings at a naval base in Portsmouth and in Kyiv.
Accelerating British Missile Deliveries to Ukraine
During the visit, the UK announced it would expedite delivering British-made lightweight multi-role missiles (LMMs) to Ukraine. These missiles are intended to defend against a new wave of Russian jet-powered drones, which fly faster and at higher altitudes than the slower propeller Shahed drones previously used. The upgrade in drone technology allows Russia to target more locations within Ukraine, including Kyiv, making swift missile support critical.
Push for International Ban on Russian LNG Exports
In parallel with the meeting, Burnham and his ministers plan to advocate for a comprehensive international maritime services ban on exports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG). UK Chancellor John Healey will also press this issue during the ongoing International Monetary Fund summit in Bangkok, seeking broader global support to curtail Russian energy exports.
Contrast with Prior U.S. Interactions
Zelenskyy’s current UK engagements come against a backdrop of strained relations with Donald Trump, who made deals involving Russian diesel, called for new leadership in Ukraine, and announced supposed ceasefires without notifying Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian president criticized these actions, describing subsequent Russian attacks on civilians as a rebuke from Vladimir Putin. In contrast, UK leaders, including Burnham and earlier government officials, have maintained sustained, public backing for Ukraine’s fight.
Burnham underlined the importance of UK 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.” He emphasized that Russia’s aggression must not succeed on European soil and that supporting Ukraine is both the right and necessary course of action.
