Andy Burnham told Volodymyr Zelensky “we are with you 100 per cent” as Ukraine’s president became the first leader welcomed by the new prime minister since he took office.
“We are with Ukraine 100 per cent. I am personally with you 100 per cent, Mr President,” he said. “And I will honour every commitment this country has made to Ukraine in full.”
He added: “I want you to know that we’ve got your back. You can count on me, and you can count on us. You can count on the UK for as long as it takes.”
The visit comes one week after Mr Burnham entered Downing Street.
The PM hosted the Ukrainian president on a visit to a naval base where Mr Burnham announced that Britain will hand over the intellectual property behind its new “Stone Cloak” electronic warfare system. It is designed to block Russian detection of any drones it is fitted to.
Mr Zelensky responded that the relationship between the two countries is “stronger than ever” as he thanked the new prime minister for his support.
Pentagon plans to stretch remaining Ukraine aid until 2029, report says
The Pentagon has told members of Congress it does not expect to finish spending the remaining $400m in military aid for Ukraine until fiscal year 2029, according to a Reuters report, a timeline that has frustrated lawmakers as Kyiv faces growing shortages of air defence weapons.
The disclosure comes ahead of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Washington, where he is expected to meet Donald Trump at the White House and later address all 100 US senators.
Zelensky is expected to press for additional air defence systems and the completion of a drone cooperation agreement with the US.
According to Reuters, the Pentagon outlined its spending schedule in a letter sent to Congress in May. While the funds are expected to be placed under contract by the end of fiscal year 2026, final deliveries are not projected until the fiscal year ending 30 September 2029, after the end of Trump’s second term in office.
The funds, approved by Congress last year with bipartisan backing, have reportedly not yet been obligated or disbursed, despite repeated complaints from lawmakers over delays in getting military assistance to Ukraine.
Shweta Sharma28 July 2026 04:02
Watch: Burnham reassures Zelensky of unwavering support for Ukraine despite change in PM
Bryony Gooch28 July 2026 03:00
In pictures: Zelensky at HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Bryony Gooch28 July 2026 02:00
Watch: Zelensky seeks ‘new page’ in UK relations under new PM
Bryony Gooch28 July 2026 01:00
In pictures: Zelensky and Burnham meet and view Ukrainian equipment and meet Ukrainian personnel at HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Bryony Gooch28 July 2026 00:00
Watch: Ukraine gunner shoots down attack drones with rifle from open cockpit
Bryony Gooch27 July 2026 23:00
What’s on the agenda for Tuesday?
Volodymyr Zelensky will land in the United States on Tuesday where he will attend the funeral of late senator Lindsey Graham, who championed stronger sanctions on Russia from the US.
The Ukrainian president is also expected to meet separately with Donald Trump at the White House.
Bryony Gooch27 July 2026 22:00
Watch: Ukrainian intelligence destroys Russian Triumf air defence system in occupied Crimea
Bryony Gooch27 July 2026 21:00
US-Russia space crew lands back on Earth after eight-month ISS stint
US-Russia space crew lands back on Earth after eight-month ISS stint
Both nations have agreed to work with each other despite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022Bryony Gooch27 July 2026 20:00
Watch: Ukrainian rear gunner shoots down attack drones with rifle from open cockpit
Bryony Gooch27 July 2026 19:00NewerOlder