UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to HM Naval Base Portsmouth on Monday (27 Jul), making Zelenskyy the first foreign leader to visit the UK since Burnham took office.
Burnham said the meeting was “no accident”, declaring, “We are with Ukraine 100%… I will honor every commitment this country has made to Ukraine in full.” He also pledged continued support for a “full and unconditional ceasefire” and said any future negotiations “must have Ukraine at the table” with “a strong voice for Europe”.
Zelenskyy described the visit as an honour, saying, “Our relationship with the UK is stronger than ever,” and thanked Burnham for prioritising defence and security cooperation. He also expressed gratitude to the British public, adding, “Thank you… to everyone across the UK who has stood with Ukraine.”
The visit also highlighted broader UK-Ukraine defence cooperation. The Government announced it will share intellectual property for the British-developed Stone Cloak electronic warfare system, enabling Ukraine to manufacture the technology domestically to strengthen frontline drone operations.
The leaders also met Ukrainian personnel taking part in Exercise Sea Breeze in the UK, while the Government reaffirmed its commitment to provide £3 billion in annual military support for Ukraine, with total UK assistance since the war began reaching £25 billion.
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