Andy Burnham Affirms Britain's Unwavering Support for Ukraine
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has reaffirmed his country’s “unwavering” commitment to supporting Ukraine ahead of his meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday.
Zelensky is Burnham’s first international guest since he took office a week ago. The Prime Minister’s Office (No 10) said the visit reflects the strength of the relationship between the two countries.
During a visit to a naval base alongside Zelensky, Burnham announced that Britain would share the intellectual property of its latest electronic warfare system, ‘Stone Cloak’. The move will allow Ukraine to produce the technology on a large scale.
“Britain stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, and our support remains unwavering. Russia must not doubt our resolve, and we will not step back until we achieve a lasting and fair peace for Ukraine,” Burnham declared.
“Stone Cloak is the best of British innovation, proven on the frontline, and it will be vital to protecting security in both our countries,” he added.
The tablet-sized electronic jamming system is designed to block detection on drones fitted with the device. Britain’s Ministry of Defence has already distributed thousands of the devices to Ukrainian forces. Following its deployment in Ukraine, the technology will be integrated into Britain’s next generation of long-range weapons, including Project Brakestop, aimed at integrating low-cost cruise missiles.
During the visit, the two leaders also met more than 200 Ukrainian military personnel taking part in Exercise Sea Breeze, a maritime drill to strengthen combat capabilities and mine countermeasures in the Black Sea.
British support for Ukraine has flowed continuously since Russia’s invasion four years ago, with total financial commitments reaching £25 billion. Burnham contacted Zelensky on his first day in office and immediately invited him to Britain.
In a post on the social media platform X, Zelensky expressed his appreciation.
“I greatly appreciate that support for Ukraine and our people will remain steadfast,” Zelensky wrote.
Regarding the change of leadership in Britain, Zelensky admitted he had concerns but remained optimistic about the relationship between the two nations.
“Of course I fear change, of course we are afraid because we are at war every day,” Zelensky said.
“But again, the priority is the relationship between nations, not just between individuals. I am confident this relationship will not change, or we must do our best not to lose this very good relationship,” he added.
“I hope we never lose this strong relationship with Britain, during or after the war,” Zelensky concluded.