UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has agreed to provide Ukraine with blueprints to build long-range missiles despite threats from Russia. Burnham is set to announce during his first trip to Ukraine that he will allow European defence firm MBDA to declassify information on UK components for the long-range Scalp missile – the French-produced version of the UK's Storm Shadow.
Shared technology and local production plans
The "deep precision strike" missiles use shared French and British technology. Ukraine and France are looking to set up local assembly lines to produce them in Ukraine.
Burnham's announcement will follow threats from Russia that the UK may be next on its list of targets.
Russian warnings and UK response
Russia warned Britain on Monday, August 17, that it would pay a "price" after reports that the drones had been used in strikes deep inside Russia. Russia's embassy in London accused Britain of becoming "an accomplice and co-perpetrator" of the attacks and of "deliberately opting for an escalation" in the conflict.
The Ministry of Defence said: "Britain stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and we are committed to providing the equipment Ukraine needs to defend itself against Putin's illegal invasion."
"Russia should be in no doubt about the resolve of this Government to stand against Russian aggression, in Ukraine and against the UK and our allies."
Burnham's visit and coalition meeting
Burnham will arrive in Ukraine on Monday morning. He is set to chair his first meeting of the so-called coalition of the willing, set up by the UK and France to support Ukraine under his predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer. His trip will also mark Ukraine's independence day and signal the UK's continued support for the country under his administration.
Burnham recently welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the UK. The Prime Minister said: "The friendship between our two countries will long outlast Russia's illegal war. In both the fight and in the rebuilding to come, we will stand with Ukraine and deliver opportunities for people across both our countries."
"Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve. We will not back down until there is a just and lasting peace."
