UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced new defence and technology cooperation with Ukraine during his first meeting as co-chair of the Coalition of the Willing, held in Kyiv alongside as part of events marking the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s restored independence.
Burnham confirmed that the UK would allow the sharing of technology linked to the Storm Shadow/SCALP cruise missile, enabling British and French industry to work with Ukraine on developing domestic production capabilities.
The prime minister also called for further pressure on Russia’s economy, urging allies to maintain sanctions and target Moscow’s energy revenues.
The Coalition of the Willing said members would prioritise Ukraine’s air defence, expand defence industry cooperation and continue efforts to restrict Russia’s ability to finance the war. Leaders also backed further support for Ukraine’s energy sector ahead of winter.
A separate UK-Ukraine Artificial Intelligence Partnership was announced, giving the UK access to Ukraine’s battlefield technology expertise through cooperation involving AI, data and defence innovation.
Russia has criticised the UK’s decision to share information on British-made components used in SCALP long-range missiles, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accusing London of “adding fuel to the fire” and claiming Britain was participating in the conflict on Ukraine’s side.
Peskov said Russian forces were already gathering information on potential missile production sites, which he said would be targeted. The UK has maintained that its support is intended to help Ukraine defend itself.
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