Aysu Bicer
24 August 2026•Update: 24 August 2026
Andy Burnham traveled to Ukraine on Monday for his first foreign visit since becoming UK prime minister, pledging unwavering British support for Kyiv as the country marks the 35th anniversary of its independence.
Burnham is in Kyiv for Independence Day, where he is due to take part in commemorative events and co-chair his first meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, a group of countries working to strengthen support for Ukraine.
He is also set to hand over blueprints that would allow Ukraine to produce its own long-range missiles as Kyiv steps up attacks on targets in Moscow and other Russian regions.
The visit comes after Moscow warned last week of "consequences" over Ukraine's use of British drones.
Burnham said the Ukrainian people should have no doubt about Britain's commitment to their country.
"The UK is behind you today and for as long as it takes," he said in a statement. "I am proud of the contribution our country has made to Ukraine and I want the Ukrainian people to hear it directly from me that our support will not waver. After all, Ukraine's security is our security."
He said ties between Britain and Ukraine would continue beyond the war, including during the country's eventual reconstruction.
"The friendship between our two countries will long outlast Russia's illegal war," Burnham said. "In both the fight and in the rebuilding to come, we will stand with Ukraine and deliver opportunities for people across both our countries."
His comments come as Ukraine has intensified long-range attacks on Russia, targeting oil refineries and warehouses belonging to Wildberries, the country's largest online retailer.
At the Coalition of the Willing meeting, Burnham is expected to tell international partners that Britain’s leadership on Ukraine will remain steadfast under his government.
He also issued a direct warning to Moscow, saying: “Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve. We will not back down until there is a just and lasting peace.”
