Kyiv, August 24, 2026:
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has vowed to maintain pressure on Russia despite what he described as Moscow’s “outrageous threats”, during his first official overseas visit since taking office.
Burnham arrived in Kyiv on Ukraine’s Independence Day, marking his first international trip as Prime Minister and signalling Britain’s continued support for Ukraine amid the ongoing war with Russia.
Addressing events in Kyiv, Burnham said Britain would continue supporting Ukraine’s defence and urged allies to keep pressure on Moscow. He also compared Ukraine’s resistance to Britain’s historic struggle against Nazi Germany during the Second World War.
“Despite Russia’s outrageous threats to my country, we will continue our support for Ukraine,” Burnham said, stressing that the UK would stand with Ukraine for as long as necessary.
The visit comes amid a sharp escalation in tensions between London and Moscow. Britain has agreed to allow the release of classified information on UK components used in the long-range SCALP missile, paving the way for France and Ukraine to establish local production facilities.
The Kremlin has condemned the move, accusing Britain of adding “fuel to the fire” and warning that missile-production facilities in Ukraine could become targets. Moscow has also accused London of obstructing efforts toward peace.
Burnham, however, has made clear that Russian warnings will not force Britain to retreat from its support for Kyiv. He is also expected to chair his first meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, bringing together Ukraine’s international supporters to discuss continued military and security assistance.
The visit marks a significant early foreign-policy statement from Burnham’s government: Britain intends to remain firmly aligned with Ukraine and continue tightening pressure on Moscow despite growing risks of confrontation.
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