British Prime Minister Andy Burnham will travel to Kyiv on Monday for his first international visit since taking office last month. The Labour leader's trip underscores the UK's continued commitment to Ukraine as the country marks its 35th Independence Day.
In a statement released ahead of the visit, Burnham confirmed that the UK will help Ukraine establish domestic production of long-range missiles. The government has agreed that defence firm MBDA can release classified information on British-made components for the SCALP missile, enabling local assembly lines in Ukraine. The SCALP, which uses both British and French technology, will now see its production partially moved to Ukrainian soil.
“This decision complements the major UK effort to rapidly develop low-cost advanced long-range strike weapons for Ukraine through Project Brakestop,” the statement added. The move is seen as a significant step in strengthening Ukraine's defence industrial base, reducing its reliance on foreign supplies.
Coalition of the Willing convenes in Kyiv
Burnham will co-chair the meeting of the so-called Coalition of the Willing alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The coalition brings together countries that support Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format, with some leaders attending in person and others joining via video conference.
Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin's office indicated that he would participate remotely. European Council President António Costa is also expected to be in Kyiv, along with Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden. The gathering comes ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day celebrations on Monday.
“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,” Burnham said in a statement.
The visit follows a weekend of intense diplomatic activity in Kyiv. On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Nordic and Baltic leaders for bilateral talks focused on joint defence cooperation. He also welcomed US Senators Richard Blumenthal and James Lankford, briefing them on the continuing ballistic missile threat from Russia and the urgent need for improved air defences.
The UK's decision to share classified missile technology marks a deepening of defence ties between London and Kyiv. It also aligns with recent French pledges to provide additional interceptors to Ukraine, as reported in France's latest military support package. The move comes amid ongoing Russian strikes, including recent attacks that killed two people in Ukraine, as rescue work continues in Kryvyi Rih.
Burnham's first foreign trip as prime minister signals the importance his government places on European security. The UK, while no longer an EU member, remains a key player in continental defence matters. His presence in Kyiv alongside Macron and Merz reinforces the unity of Europe's major powers in supporting Ukraine.
The Coalition of the Willing meeting is expected to discuss further military aid, economic support, and long-term security guarantees for Ukraine. The hybrid format allows for broad participation, with leaders from across Europe and beyond joining virtually.
As Ukraine celebrates its independence, the international community's show of solidarity is a reminder of the stakes involved. The war, now in its third year, continues to exact a heavy toll. The UK's commitment to helping Ukraine produce its own missiles is a practical step towards self-sufficiency, a goal that resonates deeply with Ukrainian leaders.
Burnham's visit also comes at a time when US envoys may visit Kyiv on the same day, underscoring the transatlantic dimension of the support coalition. The presence of American senators and potential envoys highlights the ongoing diplomatic efforts to sustain aid flows.
For Europe, the outcome of this conflict will shape the continent's security architecture for decades. The willingness of leaders like Burnham, Macron, and Merz to travel to Kyiv on such a symbolic day sends a clear message: Europe stands with Ukraine, not just in words but in concrete action.
