Burnham to host Zelensky at Downing Street in show of support

Summarised from 7 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 22:51 · Archive

Prime Minister Andy Burnham will welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Downing Street on Wednesday. The visit represents a public show of UK support for Ukraine and comes after United States President Donald Trump eased sanctions on Russian diesel and called for Zelensky to be replaced as Ukraine's leader.

Burnham said the UK's support for Ukraine was 'rock solid' and 'vital for keeping us safe here in the UK'. In a statement, he said: '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. It is not just the right thing to do, but it's the necessary thing to do. Russia's aggression cannot be allowed to succeed on our continent.'

The UK will accelerate its military support package for Ukraine. This includes faster deliveries of British Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs), which have proved effective against Russian jet-powered drones. The UK has committed to sending more than 5,000 of these missiles, worth £1.6 billion, over the next four years. Additionally, the UK will provide £45 million of surface-to-air missiles.

Downing Street said Burnham has asked ministers to draw up proposals for further sanctions, military aid, and fiscal packages to support Ukraine in the coming weeks. On Monday, Chancellor John Healey will use International Monetary Fund meetings in Bangkok to call for an international ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, urging allies to step up pressure on Moscow.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband described the preceding days as 'very difficult few days' in transatlantic relations following Trump's decision to ease sanctions on Russian diesel ahead of US mid-term elections, which have been overshadowed by rising fuel prices. In response to Trump's move, the UK committed to 'maintain pressure on Russia'.

Burnham telephoned Zelensky on Saturday to express his 'complete solidarity' with Kyiv. This will be Zelensky's second visit to the UK since Burnham became Prime Minister in July. His first visit was at the end of July, when the pair met troops and held a news conference at a naval base in Portsmouth. Burnham and Zelensky have also met at the United Nations General Assembly in New York and in Kyiv in August.

How it is being reported

• Andy Burnham to welcome Zelensky to No10 after Donald Trump's latest attackNo10 said the PM will use the Ukranian wartime leader's visit to reiterate the UK's 'rock-solid' support for Kyiv in their battle against Russian despot Vladimir Putin's barbaric attacksThe Mirror · 13 Oct, 23:05
• Zelensky and Burnham to meet in Downing StreetThe prime minister is calling for partners to step up support for Ukraine following Trump's criticism of Zelensky.BBC News · 13 Oct, 22:31
• Burnham to host Zelenskyy at No 10 in show of ‘rock-solid’ supportPrime minister reiterates UK backing after the Ukrainian president’s latest round of difficulties with Donald Trump Andy Burnham will host Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Downing Street on Wednesday as the UK seeks to further underline its support for the Ukrainian president, in contrast to his difficulties with Donald Trump. The UK prime minister said his message to Zelenskyy and his country would be: “We are with you for as long as it takes.” Continue reading...Guardian World · 13 Oct, 22:30
• Burnham sends fresh message to Ukraine ahead of Zelensky visit after Trump's diesel deal with RussiaBurnham will hold talks with Zelensky on Wednesday at Downing StreetThe Independent · 13 Oct, 22:30
• Andy Burnham To 'Double Down' On Support For Ukraine As Zelenskyy Visits UKVolodymyr Zelenskyy with Andy Burnham in Kyiv in August. Britain will double down on its support for Ukraine despite Donald Trump calling for Volodymyr Zelenskyy to be replaced as its president. Andy Burnham said that the UK is ready to go “further and faster” in its backing for Kyiv. That will include £45 million-worth of surface-to-air missiles and urging other countries to join the UK in banning Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. On Wednesday, the PM will welcome Zelenskyy to Downing Street for the first time time since he replaced Keir Starmer in July. The meeting takes place…HuffPost UK · 13 Oct, 22:30
• Burnham to meet Zelensky in wake of Trump’s diesel deal with MoscowThe Prime Minister will welcome the Ukrainian president to Downing Street in a public show of support.Evening Standard · 13 Oct, 22:30
• Burnham pledges ‘rock-solid support’ for Ukraine as Zelenskyy makes UK tripThe British leader has asked ministers to draw up proposals for further sanctions, military support and fiscal packages to help the war-torn country.Politico Europe · 13 Oct, 22:30

In this story: Andy Burnham · Volodymyr Zelensky · Donald Trump · Vladimir Putin · John Healey · Ed Miliband · Ukraine · Russia

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