UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham to host Zelensky in first official visit

Britain’s new Prime Minister Andy Burnham will receive Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday, marking his first meeting with an international guest and underscoring London’s unwavering support for Ukraine.

Downing Street said the two leaders are expected to meet at a naval base, where they will be briefed on how UK-led training programs are strengthening the capabilities of Ukraine’s armed forces and delivering results on the battlefield.

In a statement, Burnham said: “The UK stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, and our support is unwavering. Russia should have no doubt about our resolve, and we will not relent until a just and lasting peace is secured for Ukraine.”

During the visit, Burnham and Zelensky will meet more than 200 Ukrainian military personnel and sailors who have spent the past three weeks in the UK participating in the Sea Breeze exercises, focused on maritime security and mine countermeasures, preparing them for future missions in the Black Sea.

Burnham’s office said total UK support for Ukraine has reached £25 billion ($33.3 billion) since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, including £16 billion in military aid and £5.6 billion in non-military assistance.