The move could strengthen Ukraine’s domestic weapons production as Burnham joins European leaders in Kyiv to mark the country’s Independence Day
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham arrived in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Monday alongside several European leaders to mark Ukraine’s Independence Day.
Burnham was photographed at Kyiv railway station shaking hands with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, as reported by AFP. Sybiha said Burnham would be joined by European Council President António Costa, Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden, Moldovan President Maia Sandu and Estonian President Alar Karis.
“For Ukraine, independence is not an abstract idea. We defended it against all odds. In times like these, nations learn how important it is to have allies by your side,” Sybiha said in a post on X announcing the leaders’ arrival.
“And today, we know for sure who our true friends are.”
During his visit, Burnham is expected to announce that the UK government will allow European defence company MBDA to declassify information about UK-made components used in the Anglo-French Storm Shadow/Scalp long-range missiles.
The move would allow Ukraine to gain greater insight into the technology behind the missiles and support its efforts to develop its own long-range weapons. The announcement comes at a critical stage of the war as Kyiv seeks to strengthen its domestic defence production capabilities.
More from World
(This is a developing story. Please check back for updates)