British PM Andy Burnham makes first overseas visit to Kyiv with commitment to supporting Ukraine

London (Web Desk): British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to arrive in Kyiv on Monday for his first overseas visit since taking office, where he will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and reaffirm Britain’s continued commitment to supporting Ukraine.

The visit is expected to focus on strengthening the UK’s partnership with Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. During his stay in the Ukrainian capital, Burnham will take part in events marking Ukraine’s Independence Day and is expected to announce additional British defence support for Kyiv.

Burnham will also chair his first meeting of the so-called “coalition of the willing”, an international grouping established under the leadership of Britain and France to coordinate support for Ukraine.

The meeting is expected to bring together leaders and senior representatives from countries backing Kyiv and seeking to strengthen collective efforts in support of Ukraine.

According to reports, Britain is also preparing to assist Ukraine in expanding its domestic production of long-range missiles.

The UK is expected to provide technological expertise and information to help Ukraine develop and manufacture such weapons locally, potentially strengthening the country’s ability to maintain its defence capabilities.

The planned cooperation forms part of Britain’s broader effort to deepen military and strategic ties with Ukraine.

London has repeatedly stressed the importance of providing Kyiv with the capabilities it needs to defend its territory and maintain its security.

During the visit, Burnham is expected to reiterate that Britain will continue standing alongside Ukraine. He has made clear that UK support will remain in place until a fair and lasting peace can be achieved.

The prime minister’s visit to Kyiv is therefore being viewed as an important early signal of Britain’s foreign policy priorities under his leadership.

By making Ukraine the destination of his first foreign trip, Burnham is expected to underline London’s continued diplomatic, political and defence support for Kyiv while working with European partners on long-term security arrangements.