Burnham in Kyiv calls Russia’s threats “outrageous”
During a visit to Kyiv, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham called Kremlin statements directed at London “outrageous threats.” Russia, the aggressor state, warned of increased tensions after Britain decided to provide Ukraine with declassified information on long-range missile components.
As The Guardian reports, Burnham spoke near St. Sophia Cathedral during events marking the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. He compared Ukraine’s struggle with Britain’s confrontation with Nazi Germany in the 20th century and said that London would continue supporting Kyiv despite Russian threats.
Information on missile components
During his first foreign trip as prime minister, Burnham is expected to provide Ukraine with previously classified information about British-made components of Storm Shadow/SCALP long-range cruise missiles. According to the publication, this could eventually enable Ukraine to create its own version of such a missile, although the process may take years.
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Russian leader’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that sharing this information allegedly “adds fuel to the fire” and hinders a peaceful settlement. He also said that Moscow plans to identify and destroy missile production sites. In response, Burnham asked who exactly “started the fire.”
Videoconference of the coalition of the willing
In Kyiv, the British prime minister was also expected to join a videoconference involving 34 leaders of states in the coalition of the willing, who pledged to contribute to Ukraine’s security in the event of a ceasefire with Russia. According to The Guardian, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz planned to take part in the meeting by video link.
Burnham arrived in Kyiv together with European Council President António Costa and Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden. Details of the Independence Day events were not publicly disclosed because of the threat of Russian attacks.
