British Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, is visiting Kyiv on his first overseas trip since taking office, where he is expected to announce a major new form of military support for Ukraine.
Burnham will hand over blueprints allowing Ukraine to develop its own long-range missiles, as Britain seeks to strengthen Kyiv’s ability to defend itself against Russia.
During the visit, Burnham will chair his first meeting of the “coalition of the willing”, an alliance established by the UK and France under his predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer, to support Ukraine.
He is also expected to accept an award on behalf of the British people for the UK’s backing of Ukraine and participate in events marking the country’s 35th anniversary of independence.
A key announcement will involve defence company MBDA, which has been authorised by the British government to declassify information about UK components used in the Scalp missile.
The French-made weapon is the equivalent of Britain’s Storm Shadow and is capable of striking targets deep inside enemy territory.
Burnham said the UK remained firmly committed to Ukraine as Russian attacks have intensified in recent weeks, including a strike on a shopping centre that killed at least 16 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.
“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.”
He added that Britain’s relationship with Ukraine would endure beyond the conflict.
“Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve. We will not back down until there is a just and lasting peace.”
The Scalp missile weighs about 1,300kg and measures 5.1 metres in length.
It can strike targets around 150 miles away and is designed to hit pre-planned stationary targets in different weather conditions, both day and night.
The weapon is already used by the air forces of Britain, France and Italy and has previously been deployed in conflicts including Iraq, Syria and Libya.
Ukraine is also seeking additional Patriot interceptor missiles, which are crucial for defending against Russian ballistic missiles.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv had requested 360 more interceptors and was exploring alternative sources with partner countries.
Defence Minister Luke Pollard said Britain’s decision to share information on the Scalp missile would help Ukraine strengthen its defences.
“It’s not just the front lines, it’s shopping centres, it’s housing that’s being targeted by Russia in their illegal war and that’s why we have said and we will continue to make sure our actions follow it that we will support Ukraine for as long as it takes,” he said.
Pollard added that Britain was supplying other air-defence systems and counter-drone equipment as Ukraine faces attacks from Russian cruise missiles and drones.
Moscow has criticised Britain’s increasing military support for Kyiv.
The Russian embassy in London accused Britain of deliberately escalating the conflict and warned that deeper involvement would come at a greater cost.
Burnham rejected the warning, saying the UK would continue helping Ukraine defend itself.
“We are not fair-weather friends, we will be there in Ukraine’s hour of need and that won’t change.”
He later maintained that Britain’s position remained focused on supporting Ukraine’s right to defend itself.
“We are not fair-weather friends, we will be there in Ukraine’s hour of need and that won’t change.”
Meanwhile, fighting continued on both sides of the Russia-Ukraine border.
Russian authorities said two children were killed and seven others injured after debris from a Ukrainian drone struck a children’s centre.
A warehouse belonging to online retailer Ozon was also reportedly set ablaze following a series of attacks on the company’s facilities.
In Ukraine, three people were killed in a Russian attack on the north-eastern city of Kharkiv, according to regional authorities.
Burnham’s Kyiv visit comes amid growing concerns over the escalating attacks and renewed efforts by Ukraine’s international allies to increase military support.
