1 week ago
Burnham Heads to Ukraine, Unveiling Missile Production Support
Andy Burnham, the United Kingdom’s prime minister, will travel to Kyiv on Monday.
It will be his first trip to another country since becoming prime minister.
His visit takes place as Ukraine celebrates its 35th independence anniversary.
He will meet Ukraine’s president and lead a meeting of countries supporting Ukraine.
Some people will attend that meeting in person, while others will join by video.
Britain will let MBDA share secret information about British parts used in SCALP missiles.
This could help France and Ukraine build local assembly lines for the missiles.
SCALP uses both French and British technology and is related to Britain’s Storm Shadow missile.
Britain says the plan is part of its continued support for Ukraine during Russia’s invasion.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham will visit Kyiv on Monday, August 24, his first overseas trip since taking office last month.
Burnham will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and co-chair a hybrid Coalition of the Willing meeting.
The UK will allow MBDA to release classified information on British components used in the SCALP long-range missile.
The information is intended to help France and Ukraine establish local SCALP assembly lines.
Britain says the move complements Project Brakestop and has committed about £25 billion to Ukraine, including £16 billion in military aid.
- Who
- UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, MBDA, France, and countries supporting Ukraine.
- What
- Burnham will visit Kyiv, meet Zelensky, co-chair the Coalition of the Willing, and announce information-sharing to support local SCALP missile assembly.
- Where
- Kyiv, Ukraine; the Coalition of the Willing meeting will use a hybrid format.
- When
- Monday, August 24, during Ukraine’s 35th anniversary of independence; Burnham took office last month.
- Why
- To demonstrate continued UK support for Ukraine and assist its long-range missile production amid tensions with Russia.
Key facts
- Visitor
- Andy Burnham, the UK prime minister
- Destination
- Kyiv, Ukraine
- Trip significance
- Burnham’s first international visit since taking office
- Ukraine anniversary
- Ukraine’s 35th anniversary of independence
- Missile cooperation
- MBDA may release classified information on UK components used in SCALP missiles
- Assembly goal
- France and Ukraine are expected to use the information to establish local SCALP assembly lines
- UK support
- About £25 billion committed to Ukraine, including £16 billion in military aid
Quotes
Andy Burnham
British prime minister and Labour Party leader
“On Ukraine's 35th anniversary of independence, the Ukrainian people should be in no doubt: the UK is behind you today and for as long as it takes”
firstpost.com
“Ukraine's security is our security”
wionews.com
Sources
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