LONDON — British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday, making the Ukrainian leader his first international guest since taking office, according to Burnham’s office. The meeting is seen as a strong signal of the United Kingdom’s continued backing of Ukraine.
The two heads of state are expected to convene at a naval base, where they will receive a firsthand look at how UK-led training programs are bolstering Ukraine’s military forces and making a difference on the front lines, Downing Street said.
Burnham made his country’s position clear in an official statement: “Britain stands with Ukraine, shoulder to shoulder, and our support remains unwavering. 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.”
As part of the visit, the two leaders will spend time with more than 200 Ukrainian military personnel and sailors who have been in Britain for the past three weeks participating in Exercise Sea Breeze — a training exercise focused on maritime security and mine-clearing operations designed to prepare participants for future assignments in the Black Sea.
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, total British support has reached £25 billion — equivalent to roughly $33.3 billion — which includes £16 billion in military aid and £5.6 billion in non-military assistance, Burnham’s office reported.
Burnham’s predecessor made a final trip to Kyiv just days before stepping down earlier this month, pledging €300 million — approximately $345 million — to help fund a squadron of 16 Swedish-built Gripen fighter jets for Ukraine.
