United Kingdom's new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, held his first bilateral meeting with a foreign leader, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, at a British naval base. This meeting underscored the UK's "unwavering support" for Ukraine against Russia's four-year invasion, with Burnham explicitly stating, "we are with Ukraine 100%, I am personally with you 100%, and I will honor every commitment this country has made to Ukraine in full."
The discussions between the two leaders centered on joint drone projects and Ukraine's critical need for ballistic missile interceptors to counter Russian attacks. The UK also pledged to provide Ukraine with the intellectual property for its new "Stone Cloak" electronic warfare system, designed to jam Russian air defenses and protect Ukrainian drones. This initiative aims to boost Ukraine's defensive capabilities and enhance its ability to conduct drone operations effectively.
Zelenskyy's visit to the UK was a stop on his way to Washington D.C. for discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding efforts to end the conflict. The meeting in Portsmouth also involved visiting over 200 Ukrainian military personnel undergoing training in the UK for strengthening fighting capabilities and mine countermeasure operations in the Black Sea. The UK's total support for Ukraine since 2022 has reached £25 billion ($33 billion), including £16 billion ($21 billion) in direct military assistance.
