Andy Burnham arrived in Kyiv for his first foreign visit as a government minister on Ukraine's Independence Day, August 24, 2026. During the visit, he announced that European defense firm MBDA has received approval to share information regarding UK components for the long-range Scalp missile, the French version of the UK's Storm Shadow missile.
These deep precision strike missiles utilize shared French and British technology, and the transfer of information could enable their production in Ukraine. Burnham traveled to the Ukrainian capital overnight by train and is scheduled to participate in Independence Day celebrations, where he will accept an award acknowledging the United Kingdom's support for Ukraine.
The visit and announcement occur amidst heightened tensions, following Kremlin warnings of "consequences" over Ukraine's use of UK-supplied drones to strike targets deep within Russian territory. Moscow has stated that "the deeper Britain became involved, the higher the price it will pay."
Burnham expressed strong support for Ukraine, stating, "On Ukraine's 35th anniversary of independence, its people should be in no doubt: The UK is behind you. In the fight and the rebuilding to come, we stand with Ukraine. Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve. We will not back down till there is a lasting peace."
Relations between Russia and the UK have reached a "unprecedentedly low level," according to Russian officials. Russia has recalled its ambassador, Andrey Kelin, who has served in post for seven years, accusing the UK of pursuing a "path of confrontation."