In Kyiv, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Andy Burnham, who made his first foreign visit in office to Ukraine.
The Head of State thanked the Prime Minister for his solidarity with Ukraine on such an important day and for the United Kingdom’s unwavering support for the Ukrainian people since the very beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The President noted that it was an honor for him to present the new state distinction, “Gratitude of the Ukrainian People,” for the first time specifically to the people of the United Kingdom.
“We are very glad that you are here. We respect and love your country. We respect your people, and you have helped us greatly. And it is not only about military or financial support. Your clear, strong support from the very beginning of this war. At such a moment, your country stood very clearly and firmly by our side, and we will never forget that,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
Andy Burnham emphasized that it was important for him to demonstrate that the United Kingdom’s support for Ukraine remains unchanged.
“We will stand with you. This has been the case under every government, every political party that has been in power, and it continues. And it was an honor for me to be with you at the ceremony this morning on this day – the 35th anniversary of independence,” he said.
The President briefed the Prime Minister on the consequences of Russian aerial attacks. Strengthening Ukraine’s air defense is an urgent priority, particularly with regard to anti-ballistic missiles.
The leaders discussed the further development of defense cooperation, including the localization of Storm Shadow / SCALP missile production in Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Andy Burnham for supporting this initiative.
They separately discussed war-risk insurance, which is also important for the full operation of the maritime corridor and ensuring exports. Ukraine values the role of the London insurance market in enabling shipping despite wartime risks and is counting on the expansion of insurance mechanisms.
The parties also discussed Ukraine’s financial resilience, particularly meeting defense needs through the end of this year and into early 2027.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Andy Burnham also discussed diplomatic efforts. Despite the Russian leader’s unwillingness to end the war, pressure on the aggressor must be increased to push it toward genuine negotiations. It is important that the United Kingdom consistently supports sanctions against Russia, including those targeting energy resources and the shadow fleet, the financial sector, and the defense-industrial complex.
The leaders signed the Joint Declaration of Intent between Ukraine and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on an Artificial Intelligence Partnership, an important step in defense cooperation. The two countries will work together to build next-generation Armed Forces and accelerate the development and deployment of AI-enabled military capabilities, which, among other things, will strengthen Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities.