Burnham plans Ukraine visit to boost long-range missiles

During his first foreign trip as prime minister, Andy Burnham travels to Kyiv to mark Ukraine’s independence day and signals continued British support, including a pledge to back Ukraine for as long as it takes. He is set to announce that MBDA will be allowed to declassify information on UK-made components of the Scalp/Storm Shadow missiles to help Ukraine build its own version, and to assist France in establishing local assembly lines for long-range missiles. Britain will also help France set up production capacity in Ukraine, with the aim of boosting Kyiv’s ability to field long-range weapons. Burnham emphasizes that Ukraine’s security is Britain’s security and reiterates a long-standing commitment to stand with Ukraine despite Russian threats and warnings. He plans to chair the coalition of the willing in Kyiv, underscoring a growing, coordinated foreign policy push on Ukraine. The announcements come amid tension with Russia and are part of a broader effort to sustain Western support for Ukraine’s war effort.