Andy Burnham has arrived in Kyiv for his first overseas visit, travelling overnight by train to the Ukrainian capital as the country prepares to mark its 35th anniversary of independence.
The visit comes at a particularly sensitive moment in the war, with Britain facing growing pressure from Moscow over the military support it is providing to Ukraine.
UK Clears Sharing of Storm Shadow Technology
During his visit, Burnham is expected to announce that European defence company MBDA has received permission to share information relating to British components used in the long-range SCALP missile.
SCALP is the French-produced counterpart to Britain’s Storm Shadow system.
The weapons rely on a combination of French and British technology and are designed to carry out long-range, precision strikes.
The decision could eventually allow versions of the missiles to be manufactured in Ukraine, potentially strengthening the country’s ability to produce sophisticated weapons domestically rather than relying entirely on supplies from overseas.
A Strong Message on Ukraine’s Future
Burnham will attend Ukraine’s independence celebrations during his visit and is also due to receive an award recognising Britain’s support for the country.
He is expected to use the occasion to reinforce London’s commitment to Ukraine, both during the ongoing conflict and during the eventual reconstruction of the country.
“On Ukraine’s 35th anniversary of independence, its people should be in no doubt: The UK is behind you,” Burnham said.
“In the fight and the rebuilding to come, we stand with Ukraine.
Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve. We will not back down till there is a lasting peace.”
Moscow Warns Britain Over Military Support
The visit comes after the Kremlin issued a warning over the increasing role Britain is playing in Ukraine’s military operations.
Moscow has particularly objected to the use of British-supplied drones in strikes reaching deep inside Russian territory.
Russian officials have warned that the greater Britain’s involvement becomes, the more severe the consequences could be.
The warnings underline the growing tension between London and Moscow as Britain continues to provide military and political backing to Kyiv.
Diplomatic Relations Reach New Low
Relations between Britain and Russia have also deteriorated sharply on the diplomatic front.
Russia has described its relationship with the UK as being at an “unprecedentedly low level” and has ordered its ambassador Andrey Kelin to return to Moscow after seven years in the post.
Kelin has accused Britain of deliberately pursuing what he described as “a path of confrontation” with Russia.
Ukraine’s Independence Day Takes on Added Significance
Burnham’s arrival in Kyiv places Britain’s support at the centre of Ukraine’s independence celebrations, while the proposed transfer of information on missile technology signals another potentially significant step in defence cooperation.
The prospect of producing advanced long-range missiles inside Ukraine could prove important as Kyiv seeks to expand its own defence industry and reduce its dependence on foreign weapons deliveries.
At the same time, the move is likely to attract further criticism from Moscow, which has repeatedly warned Western nations against becoming more deeply involved in the conflict.
What Happens Next?
The immediate focus will be on the independence day celebrations and Burnham’s meetings in Kyiv.
Longer term, attention is likely to turn to how the newly authorised technical cooperation develops and whether it results in advanced missile production taking place inside Ukraine.
The diplomatic consequences will also be closely watched as Britain maintains its position that Ukraine must be supported until a lasting peace can be secured.
Summary
Andy Burnham’s visit to Kyiv combines a symbolic show of support for Ukraine with a potentially important development in defence cooperation.
The UK’s decision to allow MBDA to share information about British components used in SCALP missiles could pave the way for production of advanced long-range weapons in Ukraine.
However, the move comes against a backdrop of increasingly hostile relations between Britain and Russia, with Moscow warning of consequences over Britain’s military assistance and recalling its ambassador from London.
