STORY
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has told President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the UK’s support for Ukraine will remain unchanged under his new Government. The two leaders spoke by phone on Monday afternoon, shortly after Burnham entered Downing Street as Prime Minister.
Downing Street said Burnham reaffirmed his and the UK’s “resolute commitment” to the people of Ukraine. He also underlined that there would be no change in Britain’s approach, including continued pressure on Russia.
The call was one of Burnham’s first international engagements as Prime Minister and was intended to signal continuity in UK foreign policy. Britain has been one of Ukraine’s most prominent European supporters since Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The two leaders also discussed Burnham’s previous work with Ukrainian mayors during his time as Mayor of Greater Manchester. Downing Street said they spoke about the UNBROKEN Cities Network, which provides rehabilitation support to Ukraine.
Burnham offered his deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of Ukrainians killed in recent Russian attacks. The call came as Ukraine continues to face missile and drone strikes against civilian and infrastructure targets.
The Prime Minister invited Zelenskyy to visit the UK at the earliest opportunity. Downing Street said Burnham looked forward to discussing how Britain and Ukraine could strengthen defence for both Ukraine and Europe as a whole.
The invitation suggests that defence co-operation with Ukraine will remain an early priority for the new Government. Burnham has already indicated that support for Ukraine, NATO and European security will form a central part of his foreign policy approach.