Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to continue Britain's support for Ukraine, telling the country it is keeping “the flame of European freedom” alive in the 21st century. He made the address during celebrations in Kyiv marking the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence from the Soviet Union.
Address at St Sophia Cathedral
Speaking outside St Sophia Cathedral on Monday, Mr Burnham praised the “sheer strength” of the Ukrainian people and described their country as “Europe's protector, not a drain on our security but the front line in keeping Europe safe”.
He compared Ukraine's resistance to Russia with the UK's fight against Nazi Germany, stating: “My nation kept the flame of European freedom alive in the 20th century, you hold that flame in the 21st.”
First foreign visit as PM
The trip was Mr Burnham's first foreign visit since becoming Prime Minister in July, undertaken to underline UK support for Ukraine. He arrived by train earlier on Monday, laid a wreath and flowers at Ukraine's national military cemetery, and attended the independence day event at St Sophia.
Ahead of the visit, the Prime Minister announced the UK would help Ukraine produce long-range Scalp missiles by sharing blueprints for their British components. The weapons are the French-produced versions of the UK's Storm Shadow, which Ukraine has used to hit targets in Russia. Kyiv and Paris are looking to set up local assembly lines to produce them in the country.
Russian condemnation and Ukrainian award
Britain's support for Ukrainian strikes has drawn condemnation from Moscow. Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said his country had the right to regard the “direct involvement of British missile forces” as “participation in the war, with all the ensuing consequences”.
In his speech, Mr Burnham vowed not to be deterred, saying: “Despite Russia's outrageous threats to my country, we will continue our support for Ukraine.” During the event, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presented Mr Burnham with an award recognising the UK's support.
Zelensky's message and domestic strife
In his own independence day speech, Mr Zelensky said Ukraine would “not submit” to Russia, declaring: “Ukrainians will not be cobblestones under the feet of tsars and rulers.” Later, Mr Burnham is expected to chair his first meeting of the Anglo-French-led “coalition of the willing” and meet Mr Zelensky, who was the first foreign leader to visit Downing Street under his premiership.
The visit comes as Mr Zelensky faces domestic political strife caused by a rift with his former defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, who was sacked last month after reportedly falling out with the head of Ukraine's armed forces. Mr Fedorov, whose sacking triggered weeks of mass protests, has called for elections, arguing democracy “should not be the hostage of Putin”. He has also called for Mr Zelensky to face questions over alleged corruption in his inner circle.
Last week, Ukraine's anti-corruption authorities said they had uncovered a money-laundering plot, leading Mr Zelensky to sack one of his senior officials over alleged involvement. The president has denied any involvement, telling reporters: “The heads of anti-corruption agencies have zero questions for me. They understand perfectly well that I am not involved in anything like that.”
