Burnham to host Zelenskyy at No 10 in show of ‘rock-solid’ support

Key Points:

• Andy Burnham will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Downing Street to reaffirm the UK’s strong support amid ongoing tensions with Russia and contrasting difficulties Zelenskyy has faced with former US President Donald Trump.
• The UK plans to accelerate delivery of British-made lightweight multi-role missiles (LMMs) to Ukraine to counter advanced Russian jet-powered drone attacks, part of a £1.6bn package providing over 5,000 missiles.
• Burnham and UK ministers will advocate for a global maritime ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports during the International Monetary Fund summit to increase economic pressure on Russia.
• Zelenskyy’s visit occurs amid intensified Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukraine, while tensions persist due to Trump’s controversial dealings with Russia, including a diesel purchase and calls for new Ukrainian leadership.
• Burnham emphasized the UK’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s defense, stating, “We are with you for as long as it takes,” highlighting the necessity of supporting Ukraine to prevent Russian aggression from succeeding in Europe.