PM pledges continued support for Ukraine ahead of Zelensky visit
BBC News 2026-07-27 06:48:02
Context: UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged continued support for Ukraine ahead of a visit from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who will meet with Burnham and over 200 Ukrainian military personnel who have been taking part in a maritime exercise in the UK. The visit comes as the UK has committed £25bn in funding for Ukraine's warfighting efforts, and Burnham has promised that his support for Ukraine is "unwavering - it is 100%". The two leaders will also discuss the sharing of intellectual property behind the UK's "Stone Cloak" electronic warfare system.
Key Facts
- The UK has committed £25bn in funding for Ukraine's warfighting efforts since Russia's invasion four years ago.
- The "Stone Cloak" electronic warfare system, which is the size of a tablet computer and designed to block the detection of drones, has already been given to Ukrainian forces by the Ministry of Defence.
- Over 200 Ukrainian military personnel have spent the last three weeks taking part in a maritime exercise in the UK, aimed at strengthening warfighting capabilities and counter-mine measures in the Black Sea.
- During the visit, Burnham and Zelensky will also discuss the integration of the "Stone Cloak" technology into the UK's next generation of long-range weapons, including Project Brakestop, a government programme to develop low-cost cruise missiles.
- Zelensky wrote on X after speaking to Burnham last Monday that he "truly appreciates" the UK's steadfast support for Ukraine and its people.