Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged the United Kingdom's "unwavering" support for Ukraine as President Volodymyr Zelensky prepares for a visit on Monday. Zelensky's trip marks his first international engagement since Burnham took office a week prior, a detail Downing Street highlighted as indicative of the strong bilateral relationship.
Naval Base Visit and Technology Transfer
During their visit to a naval base, Burnham is set to announce the sharing of intellectual property rights for the UK's new "Stone Cloak" electronic warfare system. This initiative aims to enable Ukraine to produce the technology at scale.
"Britain stands with Ukrain, shoulder to shoulder, and our support remains unwavering," the prime minister stated. "Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve, and we will not back down until we achieve long lasting and just peace for Ukraine." He emphasized that the "Stone Cloak" system, described as "the best of homegrown British innovation and proven on the frontline," will be crucial for the security of both nations.
The "Stone Cloak" system consists of electronic jammers approximately the size of a tablet computer, designed to prevent drones from being detected. The Ministry of Defence has already supplied thousands of these devices to Ukrainian forces to enhance their drone operations.
Downing Street indicated that following its deployment in Ukraine, the technology will be integrated into the UK's next generation of long-range weapons, including Project Brakestop, a government program focused on developing low-cost cruise missiles.
Military Personnel Engagement
The visit will also include a meeting between Burnham and over 200 Ukrainian military personnel who have been participating in a three-week maritime exercise in the UK. This exercise, known as Exercise Sea Breeze, is focused on bolstering warfighting capabilities and counter-mine measures in the Black Sea.