Prime Minister Andy Burnham is scheduled to arrive in Kyiv on Monday, 24 August 2026, for Ukraine's independence day, marking his first foreign visit as prime minister. During his trip, Mr Burnham is expected to announce that Britain will enhance Ukraine's capacity to manufacture its own long-range missiles.
The announcement will include the UK government's decision to permit the European defence company MBDA to declassify information regarding UK-made components of the Anglo-French Storm Shadow/Scalp missiles. This measure is intended to support Ukraine in developing its own version of these missiles. Mr Burnham will also state that the UK will help France establish assembly lines for long-range missiles in Ukraine, a pledge made by French President Emmanuel Macron last month.
In a statement issued on Sunday night, Mr Burnham affirmed the UK's unwavering support for Ukraine, stating, "On Ukraine’s 35th anniversary of independence, the Ukrainian people should be in no doubt: the UK is behind you today and for as long as it takes." He added that Russia should be certain of the UK's resolve, asserting, "We will not back down until there is a just and lasting peace."
The British announcement is anticipated to escalate tensions with Moscow, particularly as Russia recently accused the UK of escalating the conflict through the use of British-made drones by Ukraine. Russia also reportedly withdrew its ambassador in London last week without naming a replacement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is currently facing a domestic political challenge following a call for an election by his former defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov. Mr Zelenskyy stated over the weekend that holding elections during the ongoing war risked splitting the country.