Burnham sends fresh message to Ukraine ahead of Zelensky visit

Andy Burnham will welcome Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky to Downing Street on Wednesday in a demonstration of support following US president Donald Trump’s diesel arrangement with Russia.

The Prime Minister is expected to utilise the bilateral visit to announce accelerated military assistance for Kyiv, alongside promises of extra sanctions targeting Moscow.

As part of the increased aid, the UK will speed up deliveries of lightweight multirole missiles, which have proven effective at countering Russian jet-powered drones.

On Monday, Britain will also prompt its international partners to step up pressure on Moscow, as Chancellor John Healey uses IMF talks in Bangkok to advocate for a ban on Russian liquified natural gas (LNG).

Ahead of the talks with Mr Zelensky, the Prime Minister stated that British support for Ukraine remained "rock solid" and was "vital for keeping us safe here in the UK".

He stated: "My message to the Ukrainian people could not be clearer: we are with you for as long as it takes, and we will go further and faster in our support to back your courageous fight for peace in Europe."

The Downing Street meeting follows what Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband characterised as a "very difficult few days" in transatlantic relations after Mr Trump moved to ease sanctions on Russian diesel ahead of US mid-term elections dominated by high fuel prices.

In response to the deal, the UK committed to "maintain pressure on Russia", while Mr Burnham spoke directly to Mr Zelensky on Saturday to convey his "complete solidarity" with Kyiv.

The move comes after the US president suggested in recent days that Ukraine requires a new leader, whilst claiming that Vladimir Putin is more eager for a peace deal than officials in Kyiv.

On Tuesday, the Ukrainian president revealed his government was given no prior warning by partners regarding a Russian ballistic missile attack the previous night, sparking fears that the US had ended intelligence sharing with Kyiv.

However, Mr Trump responded to this by insisting that Washington continues to share intelligence with Ukraine as he departed the White House for a campaign event in Alaska later that day.