British Prime Minister Andy Burnham touched down in Kyiv on Monday, marking his first overseas trip since taking office. He is scheduled to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and co‑chair a gathering of the so‑called coalition of the willing, alongside other European leaders.
The visit coincides with Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day, a milestone that commemorates the nation’s break from the Soviet Union in 1991. Burnham will also take part in the day’s official commemorations.
Defense cooperation announcement
According to Burnham’s office, the United Kingdom has agreed to allow defense contractor MBDA to release classified information concerning British components used in the SCALP long‑range missile. The disclosure is intended to enable France and Ukraine to move forward with plans for local production of the weapon within Ukraine.
SCALP is the French variant of the UK’s Storm Shadow missile, with both systems sharing French and British technology. The proposed knowledge transfer could bolster Ukraine’s defensive capabilities amid ongoing conflict.
European leaders in Kyiv
Burnham joins a delegation of European officials that includes European Council President Antonio Costa, Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden, and Estonian President Alar Karis. The leaders are expected to discuss continued international support for Ukraine during the coalition of the willing meeting.
The gathering underscores the broad diplomatic backing Ukraine receives from Western allies as it marks its national holiday.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
