Prime Minister Andy Burnham will make his first foreign visit to Kyiv on Monday, coinciding with Ukraine's Independence Day, to underscore the United Kingdom's unwavering support for the country.
During the visit, Burnham is scheduled to chair his first meeting of the "coalition of the willing," a group initially established by the UK and France under his predecessor. He is also expected to accept an award recognizing British contributions to Ukraine and participate in Independence Day commemorations.
The trip comes at a time of increased Russian strikes on Ukraine, including an attack on a shopping center that resulted in at least 16 fatalities. Burnham stated ahead of his visit that the Ukrainian people should be assured of the UK's steadfast support, "today and for as long as it takes."
"I am proud of the contribution our country has made to Ukraine and I want the Ukrainian people to hear it directly from me that our support will not waver," Burnham said. "After all, Ukraine's security is our security." He added that the friendship between Ukraine and the UK would endure beyond the conflict, and that Russia should not doubt the UK's resolve for a "just and lasting peace."
Burnham's commitment follows recent warnings from Moscow regarding "consequences" after Ukraine reportedly used British drones to conduct strikes on Russian infrastructure. Kyiv has recently escalated long-range attacks targeting Russian oil refineries and logistics facilities, including those belonging to the online retailer Wildberries.